This year's Fourth of July was HOT HOT HOT. Close to 100 degrees and smack in the middle of a week-long stretch of the same. We hit the pool in the early afternoon in an effort to induce late afternoon naps that would enable us to stay up for the fireworks. It worked! Even Edward slept for about an hour, waking up totally disoriented from the unfamiliar activity. We were invited for dinner (grilled out, eaten in!) with some friends who then accompanied us to the fireworks. We had some fun with sparklers and glow necklaces before the show started.

 This is the same shot as the first, but without the flash. I'm no photographer and our camera's pretty basic, but I thought this was cool.

 Daniel thought the show was too loud at first. Greater love hath no father than to let his four-year-old climb on him for a feeling of security despite the oppressive heat that had us all in pools of sweat even after the sun had gone down.

After a little while, Daniel relaxed enough to sit back (on me!) and enjoy the rest of the show. We got home late and the next morning came early--work and school for all--but a good time and good memories with good friends.