We were afraid we were too late and that it would be too crowded to see, but it was just right.

When the fireworks started, a few people stood and had to be asked to sit down to allow other  people to see and not to get their head into photos. My camera has no image stabilization, so this is what photos look like when taken with a point-and-shoot camera.
David's camera is more sophisticated - and more complicated, but sure takes good pictures.

The fireworks began promptly at 9:10, in order to correspond with the 1812 Overture being played in the concert in front of the Capitol.
From our place near the Air and Space Museum  we had a wonderful view.

It is hard to pick out a favorite

Each is more impressive than the one before.

There were plenty of people, but it was not unpleasant.  
Everyone was there to enjoy the same thing.
We were struck by the number of people who were not speaking English.
But "Oooohhhh" is the same in any language.

We brought bug repellant, expecting lots of biting bugs, but  we haven't seen or felt any.
Even at night on the mall.

The fireworks ended at 9:30, and we were back in the room, downloading pictures, at 9:42.

This has been a wonderful trip.