The backyard is crowded. Lucy is helping Betty and Howard with the cooking, while Grandpa, Randy and Kira work out the settings for the light show. Stu and Drew are getting along, grilling side-by-side. Lulu dances to the music played by Didi and Charlotte. The kids are dressed patriotically and each have a sparkler.
"This is the best day in all the year!" Eight-year-old Angelica declares, holding her sparkler high.
"I thought that was Christmas." Susie chides her best friend.
"Well, okay. Second best."
"I thought that was Halloween." Six-year-old Tommy points out.
"Okay, third best then."
"I thought that was" Chuckie starts.
"Okay, okay." Angelica sighs, defeated. "I like a lot of holidays. But this is the prettiest."
"Yeah, Angelica!" Lil agrees. "I love the beautiful dressies and the pretty lights in the sky."
"Uh-huh!" Five-year-old Dil starts dancing creatively. "Grandpa makes the coolest fireworks. I bet even the aliens can see!"
"Alright, you sprouts." Grandpa Lou calls out. "Ten minutes till fireworks. How we doing on the grilling, boys?"
"Five minutes on my end." Drew calls out, flipping over the hot dogs.
"Same here, Pop." Stu calls, flipping over another patty.
In little to no time, it gets very dark and all the food is set out. The adults take the picnic table and the kids have their own picnic blanket. They keep the sparklers, waving them around happily. All conversation is cut short as Didi and Charlotte begin to play the Star-
Spangled Banner. The fireworks are off and all is peaceful at the Pickles' house.