As soon as he started Aly gave a little moan and I saw Jessica roll her eyes. Clearly this was a story that had been told and retold often, and probably embellished more than its fair share along the way. But Mr. Winterberg told it with gusto and excitement, and I wondered if hearing it wasn't some kind of initiation into the family.

Kelsey was very excited to tell Aly that she'd made the traveling cheerleading squad for the varsity basketball team, only six girls made it each year. Jessica talked about how quickly rentals were going in the new office building she was representing.

I just sat back for...