The kids can't just hang out on the sidewalk all summer anymore. The energy's changing. The old games aren't enough, sidewalk chalk, squirt guns and water balloons, those wet and raucus search-and-destroy missions. It's just not happening this year. Bikes hardly come out. Now there is much lounging on the front steps. Now there are music wars. Alexandra brings her boom box out on the porch, blasting Spice Girls. The boys rush in, frantic for permission to take the cd player out so they can counter with the Beatles.