Perfect Fourth

We have definitely figured out how to do the Fourth in DC:

1. First, find a Fourth of July with an outside temperature of somewhere between 83 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Low humidity preferable.

2. If you've managed that nearly impossible task, light some citronella candles, churn up some homemade ice cream, and fire up the grill.

3. Add a great group of friends and one made-from-scratch flag cake. Sit. Talk. Laugh a lot.

4. Decide at the last minute that you do want to see the fireworks, after all. Jump in the car and drive to Steven and Amy's, which is within walking distance of the Air Force Memorial.

5. Listen to the Air Force Band play patriotic songs until the fireworks start shooting up over the Washington Monument, clearly visible a couple of miles in the distance. Decide that you and your friends are "meant to be" because you all think that the "weeping willow" fireworks with sparkles at the end are simply The Best, discover that your hands are clasped together under your chin just like the 5-year old girl next to you, and mention every 30 to 45 seconds how awesome it is to get this view of the show merely 15 minutes after arriving.


6. Feel a little sorry for all those people who have been camping out on the National Mall for the past five hours.

7. Start planning next year's Fourth of July as you walk back to the car.