When her father suggested that the family go into Philadelphia for some afternoon sightseeing and dinner, Stevie was thrilled. “We’ll get out of the way for a few hours and give Angie and Lila some time to take care of a few party preparations by themselves,” Mr. Lake said, as he and Stevie hunted through the bookshelves for a Philadelphia guidebook. “You don’t have to explain to me, Dad,” Stevie replied. “I can’t wait to get out of the house and stay out. If I hear the word ‘canapé’ one more time today, I’ll scream.” Her father’s raised eyebrows told her that she had gone quite far enough. There was no guidebook to be found, but Chad said that with his knowledge of American history they wouldn’t need one anyway. “And to think I’d convinced myself that I wanted to spend some time with my brothers,” Stevie muttered to herself, following the boys out to the driveway. In a matter of minutes, Uncle Chester, who had decided to join them, and the six Willow Creek Lakes were seated in the van and buzzing toward Philadelphia.
