Firework frustration.

I have had one of those days today and it has spread into my evening. Jack and Erin have been very trying today, Erin has been screeching and screaming rather than talking, Jack has wet himself about 4 times and each time it seems on purpose (this has been going on for about 3 weeks now), they have fought and argued and generally tested me all day. I have managed to keep my cool and coped ok until they went to bed and then I just felt awful. My head was pounding, I felt sick and generally crashed.
We were going to wake them this evening and take them to their first firework display (end of lifeboat week) but to be honest I couldn't do it and have left them to sleep whilst Darren and I sat and watched a film. Then as the film finished at 9.30 and it was only 30mins to the display I decided to pop across the road and try and take some pics from the churchyard. I took some a few years ago with this camera and used settings that I found in a little digital camera book, they came out really well and I was very happy with the results. Couldn't find that book tonight and so looked quickly on line. Set the camera up and ran across the road and the pictures were awful. Hardly picked up anything so I fiddled with settings although to be honest was guessing and it got a bit better but not good. In a final last ditch attempt I put the camera to the pre setting of night mode. This was the best of a bad bunch and I am very frustrated and disappointed. I would love to know what settings anyone would recommend as it is carnival week in a couple of weeks and there will be another display. Would like to try and redeem myself if possible.