The best tip I got for seeing the Wheaton fireworks was from Neighbor Adam, who suggested going to the roof of one of the nearby parking garages which overlooks the downtown shopping district.

So I'm five floors up on the roof of the Amherst [Street] Garage (1, 2) with several hundred other people. Mommy and Cianna stayed home for bath and bedtime stories. It's clear with a cool breeze--perfect night for a light show...

The fireworks, which originated from behind JCPenney, lasted exactly 20 minutes, with a big finale in the last minute (4, 5). It was a good, but basic show.

What's really great is seeing about four other fireworks shows along the southern horizon. I'm pretty sure one of them is the National Mall in D.C.

And now for the easy walk home through the surrounding traffic jam (6).

- mike lee