Kids and Pets
As I was sitting down to write this month’s letter, my son climbed up on the couch with me and pecked away at my keyboard, declaring, “My Turn!” Seeing as it’s our Kids and Pets issue (and that it was his turn) I thought I would include his contribution to the letter:
“‘;=][=o,lp[ijn’j;nmk,’”
I think the prose needs some work, but he’s not looking for notes at this time. You better believe he’d demand a co-author credit if he knew what it were, though. Two year olds are confident like that.
As if they sensed the theme of the letter was lacking, my two dogs are now clobbering me as well. There’s also a cat around here somewhere that can’t be bothered. We certainly put the ampersand in “Kids & Pets.”
The ampersand is the best part, though. The only thing more fun than playing with my kiddo or pups is watching them play together. Our little Lab, Hattie, has filled out the protector role and can usually be found wherever our boy happens to be. Our Pudelpointer, Huck, spends most of his time trying to get the little guy to throw a ball for him. Or a training bumper. Or anything, really. I think he’d settle for fetching a diaper at this point if it were thrown far enough.
Since the first time our son did tummy time in the floor, the three of them have been thick as thieves. If we’re chasing one of them, we’re usually chasing all three. I’m sure it will just keep getting better and, Lord willing, for many years to come.
Oh, and the cat is usually also there.
From our kids and pets to yours, I’m wishing you all the best about having both.
WYATT LAYMAN, PUBLISHER
@BENTONVILLECITYLIFESTYLE
August 2026
PUBLISHER
Wyatt Layman | wyatt.layman@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Michelle Bazis | michelle.bazis@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Claire McFarland | claire.mcfarland@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Jennifer Purifoy | jennifer.purifoy@citylifestyle.com
INTERNS
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Ellison Bynum-Hyman
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
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CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Ellison Bynum-Hyman, Adam Goldberg, Crawford Studios, Heather Hall Creatives
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
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A ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES
Thaden Students Bring Classroom Project to Community at Orchards Park
What began as a classroom assignment at Thaden School will become a lasting contribution to the Bentonville community. Students, Bella F. ‘28 and Zeke L.’ 27, along with the Bentonville Parks and Recreation, installed a new artistic lighting feature at Orchards Park. The installation serves as an example of how young people can contribute meaningfully to their communities when given opportunities to engage with authentic challenges and realworld partners.
Photography by Ellison Bynum-Hyman
BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group Selected to Design Bentonville's new STEM University
This summer, members of the Walton family announced that BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group has been selected to design the campus of the new 422,000-square-foot STEM-focused university to be built on the former site of the Walmart Home Office. Early renderings unveil a plan that weaves the university as a pathway between downtown and its surrounding green spaces. The school's mission is to prepare students to succeed in an era shaped by AI and rapid technological change.
Photography by BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group
THE AMAZEUM MAKES LEARNING VISIBLE
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY
BY MICHELLE BAZIS
OPENING THIS FALL, THE MUSEUM'S EXPANSION ADDS FRESH OPPORTUNITIES FOR VISITORS TO LEARN AND GROW TOGETHER
Since the Scott Family Amazeum first opened its doors at 1009 Museum Way in 2015, the children’s museum has been more than a destination for Northwest Arkansas’ youth; it has become a key pillar of Bentonville’s development as a family-forward city. It is a space where parents, educators, and children can find their tribe through the joyful messiness of learning through play.
Chief Learning Officer, Mindy McLeroy, has been with the Amazeum since the address was nothing more than a plot of grass. She says one sentiment has remained a constant with each phase of the museum’s growth: How do we honor the playfulness of childhood and put that into a physical space?
“Our educational approach [STEAM] is rooted in national and global research that has been proven over and over again,” she explains. “Data shows that physical exhibits and hands-on learning make a huge difference, and we’ll always prioritize authenticity. We don’t want kids to have a fake experience–nothing in the museum is rigged.”
STEAM learning combines Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. Evidence of this approach can be found in exhibits like the new Materials Lab, Water Amazements, Nickelodeon Play Lab, Art Studio, and more.
McLeroy explains that the success of the Amazeum’s learner-led experiences, along with the rapid growth of Northwest Arkansas, have inspired its $25 million "Expanding Futures" campaign. Within this campaign, the new building will expand the museum’s footprint by 13,000 square feet with three distinct, immersive environments. These additions include the Early Learning Advancement Center [ELAC], The Hangout–featuring Headwaters Cafe & Lounge–and The Backyard.
The expansion is an architectural triumph, designed to seamlessly blend with the natural splendor of the Ozarks. Director of Special Projects, Catherine Griswold, notes that the design choices were intentional, drawing inspiration from organic forms found right here in our backyard.
The exterior of the new spaces will feature unique panels reminiscent of brown trout scales, creating a striking visual that feels rooted in the local landscape. "The Hangout" serves as an architectural handshake to the community. Designed as a welcoming hub, it greets trail-goers and visitors from the nearby Crystal Bridges campus. With serene forest views, flexible gathering areas, and a café, it invites families to pause, recharge, and connect.
On the south side, the vision continues. “Imagine Outdoors” expands the museum's playscape. Here, children are encouraged to explore, experiment, and engage with nature zones that turn the outdoors into a living laboratory.
For our youngest learners, the new "Early Learning Advancement Center" (ELAC) provides a dedicated environment for children up to six years old. This space is tailored for caregivers and educators alike, featuring open-ended gallery spaces that foster deeper exploration and critical development.
“Working at the Amazeum has been like cracking open that internal love for getting your hands into things, making messes, and experimenting,” she said. “One of the most fun experiences with the ELAC project has been bringing our crazy ideas to the design team.”
“We love organic, oodley-noodley shapes,” McLeroy added with a giggle.
Through these new spaces, the Amazeum invites families to leave their mark, turning every visit into a shared narrative of discovery. As we near the finish line for this expansion project, both McLeroy and Griswold share a common indicator of success: make learning visible.
McLeroy compares the Amazeum to an iceberg: the museum is what you see above the water, but "below the waterline" lies an impact on the community five times greater. In a region where many residents are transplants, missing family roots, the Amazeum offers a critical sense of belonging. Whether playing alongside another family or sharing a quiet moment in the lounge, guests are finding connection.
“A month after opening The Hangout, I’d consider it a success when we see those connections happening,” Griswold says. “To see families leaving their mark on the space–making learning a visible thing they share.”
L O V I N
G FOS TERPU
P P I E S
There’s a special kind of magic when a shelter pet trades a noisy kennel for a cozy living room. For animals waiting for adoption, a foster home is the bridge between a frightened past and a bright, loving future. It’s a true game-changer. According to Best Friends NWA, shelters with foster programs see a 30 percent higher adoption rate, as pets in homes are healthier and less stressed. This impact is twofold—not only are more pets adopted, but shelters create crucial space for new arrivals. Today, you’ll read testimonials from four NWA families who prove that opening your heart and home to a shelter pet is transformative for both the animal and its caregivers. Visit: BestFriends.org/Northwest-Arkansas/Foster
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE BAZIS PHOTOGRAPHY BY ADAM GOLDBERG & MICHELLE BAZIS
MINDY TUCKER SILAS & ELISABETH MURDERS
“Fostering for Best Friends’ has been an incredible experience for our family, especially for our children. It gives kids the opportunity to learn responsibility in a meaningful way through helping with daily tasks like feeding, walking, playing, and providing comfort. Beyond responsibility, fostering teaches empathy and the importance of helping others. Watching a scared or uncertain dog transform into a happy, trusting companion helps children understand the impact kindness can have on another life. While saying goodbye can be bittersweet, it gives children a sense of pride knowing they played a role in helping that dog succeed. It is a hands-on lesson in compassion, resilience, and giving back that benefits both the dogs and the families who open their homes to them.”
“We’ve always been drawn to fostering because of the need to help animals in our community. We tend to foster dogs who need a bit more TLC than others. When a dog receives love and feels safe in a foster home, they come out of their shell and become much more adoptable. Some people might wonder if seeing dogs come and go is hard on a family with small children, but for us, it’s been a meaningful opportunity to teach our daughter about care, responsibility, and the love pets need. Take Kloe, for instance. When we first met her at the shelter, she didn’t want to leave her crate. Over time, she grew more confident and became the sweetest cuddle buddy. We poured our love into her, and she poured hers right back into us. We hope that more families will consider fostering animals–we know it’s played a special part in our lives!”
Meet Chloe Meet Love
LINDSAY WILSON LORIE COMER
“I have been fostering animals since I was sixteen years old. Over the years, I have become experienced in caring for animals orphaned or separated from their mothers, too young to survive without constant care. My family and I are followers of Jesus Christ, and we believe that compassion is more than a feeling; it is something we are called to live out. Love is never wasted. Whether we have them for a few days or longer, they spend that time knowing warmth, comfort, and gentle hands. If I have learned anything through fostering, it is this: the size of a life never determines its value.”
“In a foster home, puppies can experience proper socialization and specialized care needed to thrive, so they can go on to get adopted into loving homes. As hard as it is to say goodbye to the puppies and mommas I foster, the most rewarding moment is when I get to send them off to their new families. I love getting to meet the adopters and tell them everything I’ve learned about the puppies. I often stay in touch with adopters and look forward to receiving updates and photos as the puppies grow up. I handle saying ‘goodbye’ with the mindset that I am one person in an entire village that makes rescue work. My job in the village is fostering the babies.”
All of the dogs featured in this article are available to foster or adopt from Best Friends NWA.
Meet Matt
Meet Delphi
Humphrey
Inspiration for your best local life.
Locally-inspired food & drink recipes.
CARE PACKAGES for Ukraine
HUGS FROM FRIENDS HELPS U.S. YOUTH SEND HOPE, SUPPORT, AND FRIENDSHIP TO KIDS IN UKRAINE
ARTICLE BY VIOLET BLOOMFIELD
PHOTOGRAPHY BY VIOLET BLOOMFIELD & PROVIDED
In 2022, local Trevor Dane volunteered at a Ukrainian humanitarian center in Przemyśl, Poland, aiding refugee families during the Russo-Ukrainian conflict. Services like art therapy for children, veterinary care, a hair salon, and food offered by the World Central Kitchen attempted to create a sense of normalcy, but where Dane noticed a spark of humanity was in the artwork.
Wall to wall, kids’ drawings with crayon-written messages in dozens of languages expressed solidarity with Ukraine. Children from countless countries were represented on these walls, but Dane was shocked by the lack of art from the United States. He returned to Bentonville on a mission to increase the representation of U.S. support for Ukraine, but he couldn’t do it alone.
After moving to Northwest Arkansas from Ukraine in 2018, Nataliya Chapovska was eager to help her home country while it faced conflict. She and her best friend, Greta Rozensweig, originally from Lithuania, scoured NWA for humanitarian aid foundations, but found came up short. It was when Chapovska noticed the Ukrainian flags waving outside a Bentonville home that she met Dane. With their combined commitment to making a change, the trio started the non-profit organization Hugs From Friends.
Inspired by the work Dane noticed in Przemyśl, Hugs From Friends believes that children’s drawings can communicate hope, support, and friendship across borders. The non-profit facilitates a connection between schools and community organizations in the United States and Ukraine to send children’s artwork, books, art supplies, and so much more to those impacted by conflict. “The kids are quieter and more withdrawn than before,” Chapovska explains, “They don’t get enough sleep, and they are stressed. Many kids used to go to gymnastics, art classes, or swimming, for example, but right now, you have to limit your activities for safety. And still, they go to school.”
The organization’s first community event invited Bentonville Public Library visitors to create art that would be sent overseas. Soon after, Hugs From Friends connected with local schools like R.E. Baker Elementary and Arkansas Arts Academy to launch its School Partnership Program, getting Bentonville kids involved in the mission.
The School Partnership Program connects students in the United States with students in Ukraine to exchange art, letters, gifts, and culture. The program started with exchanging packages
until a fifth-grade class at Arkansas Arts Academy said they wanted to do more.
“We sent this class’s work to a school in Chernihiv, Ukraine,” shares Dane, “But the kids told us, ‘We want to meet the kids we’re sending it to.’” So they made it happen. The kids from each class met on a Zoom call and instantly opened up to each other. “It was amazing. We went with it, and now we have two schools that meet regularly.” Because most Ukrainian schools teach English, the language barrier between them is minimal. But even when there is confusion, the kids always find a way to communicate. “One of their favorite things to talk about is their pets,” Chapovska notes. “They also ask questions about life in each other’s countries, like, ‘How do you celebrate Easter in Ukraine versus in the United States?’”
Universally, kids possess the innate desire to learn, explore, and connect with others. Even when these qualities are suppressed by hardship, they never disappear. Kids deserve the chance to open up and express their creativity, knowing that they have someone who truly cares for what they are going through. As for the schools partnering with Hugs From Friends, students get
Students from Joli Holzhauer’s classroom.
to do this knowing they are wholeheartedly cared for by dozens of other students.
Joe Papania, a teacher at Arkansas Arts Academy, has been involved with the organization for four years, connecting students via virtual meetings. “Oftentimes, history can seem so distant,” Papania says. “This program allows my students to participate in active history by bridging the cultural gap between Ukraine and the United States. The program has helped build empathy in my students over these four years, helping them understand the challenges others their age face. I highly recommend participating with Hugs From Friends for any school that has the opportunity.”
Joli Holzhauer teaches art to students from kindergarten to 5th grade at DeWitt Elementary in southeast Arkansas. When asked about her experience with Hugs From Friends, Holzhauer gushed with appreciation. “I learned about Hugs From Friends during the Arkansas Art Educators Fall Conference held in Little Rock. In the spring, Greta Rozensweig called me, needing student art to include in some shipments; we turned it into a schoolwide project to celebrate Kindness Week and spread love to others.”
“The program has helped build empathy in my students over these four years, helping them understand the challenges others their age face.”
“I have tears just remembering how much my young artists wanted to help. They used brightly colored paint sticks to draw hearts, sunshines, smiling faces, and write messages like ‘You are not alone’ and ‘I love you.’ Even before the artwork reached Ukraine, I knew that my students had learned a valuable lesson and had put themselves in the shoes of others. Two months later, I received a message from Greta with a thank-you note, several photos of the Ukrainian students with our artwork, and a short video of the students thanking us in their language.”
JOIN THE HUGS FROM FRIENDS MISSION:
Hugs From Friends currently partners with seven schools–most in Northwest Arkansas–as well as local organizations like Crystal Bridges, Art on the Bricks in Rogers, Bentonville Together, and Bricklane Books. With the support of individuals and community partners, Hugs From Friends has been able to send care packages with new clothes, toys, books, and art supplies, plus over 2,000 pieces of art created by local students.
www.HugsFromFriends.org info@hugsfromfriends.org
Film Projects Directly Impact Local Economies and Creatives–Bentonville Film Festival Showcases NWA
As An Idyllic Stage For Merging Diverse Talent
The 2026 Bentonville Film Festival [BFF] transcended cinema, offering a vibrant platform where diverse talent, creative stories, and heartfelt missions converge. From volunteers and producers to writers and community advocates, we’re spotlighting a few local voices who helped bring the festival’s mission to life. These individuals represent the breadth of influence film can have on our community; proof that when decision makers recognize the significance of attracting projects, funding stories, and promoting local talent, we stand to boost Bentonville's economy and industry presence on a national stage.
Tom Hoehn, Digital Marketing Exec, Downtown Bentonville Resident
"I have been involved with BFF in various capacities in each of its 12 years, and I love the energy it brings to Bentonville. I always get a charge out of seeing our town through a visiting filmmaker's eyes as they experience this place. For many, it is their first time in Arkansas. BFF's mission of
“ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE” BUT BENTONVILLE SHINES BRIGHTEST
showcasing women and diverse voices in film is important, and it has been wonderful to witness its growing national attention in the industry.”
Twilla Brooks, BFF Communications & PR Liaison
“In 2026, BFF expanded conversations that inspired action, celebrated extraordinary creative voices, and strengthened partnerships that will have a lasting impact beyond the festival. Seeing our theaters, panels, Coffee Talks, and community events filled with such incredible energy reminded us that storytelling has the power to build connections and create change. We are deeply grateful to our sponsors, filmmakers, partners, volunteers, and the Bentonville community for making this year's festival one to remember."
Allyson de la Houssaye, Founder/Producer, AWAL Productions
"As a longtime attendee of BFF–from being there in its inaugural year to winning the Audience Choice Award last year for my film Ridge to River–it's been incredible to watch the festival continue to grow into its own. This year, I had the opportunity to support that growth by moderating a panel during the festival's expanding STEAM Day programming. Two screenings stood out: Local producer Kelly Rohrbach Walton's Baby/Girls and Jennifer Siebel Newsom's Miss Representation: Rise Up shared a powerful through line–the realities women in the U.S. [and particularly some in Arkansas] face as they navigate the systems that shape their futures, at the same time reminding us we are all invited to help shape change.”
John Shoffner, Gnargo Bike Co.
"Cycling Without Age is a documentary short that highlights the joy cycling can add to anyone’s
BFFOUNDATION
BFF is a year-long initiative that champions inclusion in all aspects of entertainment media. The BFFoundation believes that by taking real action with content creators, talent, influencers, advertisers, and content distributors, we can accurately reflect the gender balance and diversity of our country.
life, regardless of their ability. In Bentonville, we are always thinking of new ways to bring that joy to as many people as possible, which is why Gnargo created the Trishaw [used in the film]. We are so inspired by the amazing work John Boettner is doing with the Cycling Without Age organization, using the Trishaw, and grateful that the Bentonville Film Festival wanted to help us share this story with the NWA community!”
Danielle Keller, Owner, Peekaboo Magazine
“BFF is part of my story. I graduated from college in 2007 with a cinema degree, and in 2016, I volunteered at BFF, which led me to meet inspirational filmmakers who told me it wasn't too late to get back into film and media. These conversations reminded me that my dreams were still within reach; dreams that led me back into media–from documentary and short films to writing again, podcasting, and owning a magazine. This year, it was a joy to attend in a new capacity. Press pass in hand, I was ready to showcase why this festival is one you don't want to miss.”
Amanda Horn, APR, Principal, Iris Advisory LLC.
"BFF is a treasure for our community. I have been blessed with the opportunity to work with the festival in a few different capacities over the years, and watching the work inspire our residents while drawing significant national attention is a gift! The creativity and community engagement are palpable. I can't wait to see what the future brings."
Homegrown Shorts at The Momentary
Coffee Talks with Chef JJ Johnson
Things Every Pet Parent Should Know
When Every Minute Counts: A Veterinarian's Guide to Knowing Where to Go
ARTICLE BY DR. ARDEN RODERICK
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CRAWFORD STUDIOS & PROVIDED
Every pet owner has experienced that moment of uncertainty.
Your cat suddenly starts squinting one eye. Your puppy has swallowed something it shouldn’t have, and your regular veterinarian has already closed for the day. Your first thought is simple: “What do I do now?”
Those moments of uncertainty are exactly what inspired me to open Animal Urgent Care of Bentonville.
I’ve spent my career practicing veterinary medicine across the United States and abroad, and no matter where I practiced, I saw the same dilemma. When something unexpected happened after hours, pet owners were left with two choices: wait until their family veterinarian reopened, or seek care at a 24-hour emergency hospital.
Neither option was ideal for every situation.
As veterinarians, we all share the same goal: getting pets the care they need as quickly as possible. But I saw a consistent gap between routine wellness care and emergency medicine—one that left families unsure of where to turn. Opening Animal Urgent Care of Bentonville was my opportunity to help fill that gap. Just as importantly, I wanted owners to feel informed at every step–providing clarity and reassurance during some of the most stressful moments a pet owner will face.
UNDERSTANDING THE THREE LEVELS OF VETERINARY CARE
There are three levels of care—primary care, urgent care, and emergency medicine—that work together to support a pet’s health.
PRIMARY CARE
Primary care is the foundation of a pet’s long-term health and wellness, focused on prevention, early detection, and ongoing quality of life. Your primary care veterinarian is your partner in routine health management. These visits include wellness examinations once or twice a year, vaccinations, parasite prevention, dental care, and elective procedures such as spay and neuter surgeries or scheduled mass removals. They also include guidance on nutrition, behavior, weight management, and chronic disease monitoring.
URGENT CARE
Urgent care exists for medical issues that cannot wait for a routine appointment but are not necessarily life-threatening emergencies. This is the role our hospital was designed to fill. Many conditions improve significantly when treated early. Common urgent care cases include eye irritation such as redness or squinting, coughing without labored breathing, bite wounds, lameness, broken nails, ear infections, skin infections, and allergic reactions. We also frequently evaluate minor snake bites, single seizure events in stable patients, and early suspected toxin or foreign body ingestion. Urgent care helps determine whether a pet can safely return home or requires escalation to emergency care.
EMERGENCY MEDICINE
Emergency medicine is reserved for the most serious situations requiring immediate intervention. These include toxin or foreign
body ingestion when more than three hours have passed. It also includes labored breathing, collapse, or unconsciousness, as well as major trauma. Pets unable to stand or walk, those with multiple snake bites, or those experiencing difficult labor require immediate emergency attention. Neurologic emergencies such as continuous seizure activity are also life-threatening and require immediate care.
Understanding where to seek care is only part of the equation. Equally important is recognizing when your pet is trying to tell you something is wrong.
DECODING YOUR PET’S BEHAVIOR
As veterinarians, we evaluate a moment in time using physical exams, diagnostics, and medical history. But pet owners live with their animals every day and notice subtle changes long before they become obvious.
• Not greeting you at the door.
• Changes in appetite or energy.
• Social behavior changes, like hiding.
• Something seems “off.”
If your instincts tell you something isn’t right, trust them. I would always rather evaluate a pet that turns out to be okay than have an owner wait too long out of uncertainty.
A COMMUNITY RESOURCE FOR PET OWNERS
Every wagging tail, every purr, and every loyal companion reflects a bond built on trust and care. Returning home to Arkansas to open Animal Urgent Care of Bentonville allowed me to build the kind of hospital I wished more communities had—a place where families could find answers when they needed them most. My hope is that every family leaves feeling informed, supported, and confident in the decisions they make for their pet.
Dr. Arden Roderick, Partner and Medical Director, Animal Urgent Care of Bentonville
ARTICLE BY DANIELLE
"Ordinary days in NWA shaped my motherhood experience just as much as they shaped my kids' childhood."
Growing Up With Northwest Arkansas
Sometimes I catch myself looking at my kids and wondering where the time went. It seems to happen more and more these days now that they're 13 and 11. Somewhere between diaper bags, playgrounds, preschool drop-offs, and family adventures, they grew up. And so did Northwest Arkansas.
For the past thirteen years, we've had the privilege of raising our family here, and looking back, it's hard to separate our children's childhood from the incredible growth of this region. They've grown alongside it. I moved to Northwest Arkansas from California a little over twenty years ago. Back then, I never imagined this would become home, much less the place where we'd raise our family. When I first arrived, Benton County felt small.
Then life happened.
I met my husband, Jeff. We got married in 2010. Liam arrived two years later while I was working full time at John Brown University. Our weekends weren't packed with elaborate plans. We'd find a park, visit a neighborhood pool, or wander wherever the day took us.
When Ardelia was born in 2015, we knew Bentonville was where we wanted to plant roots. We found the house we've now lived in for almost eleven years. Aside from the storm shelter, what sold us was the location. Less than a mile from Crystal Bridges and the Amazeum. Close enough to downtown that spontaneous adventures felt easy. Next to trails, parks, and everything we hoped our kids would experience growing up.
Before we'd packed our moving boxes, we had already become Amazeum members. Some mornings, we'd spend hours exploring exhibits before walking over to Crystal Bridges to stroll the trails or enjoy family activities.
Those places became part of our daily rhythm.
So many of my favorite memories with my kids are wonderfully low-key: Story time at the Bentonville Public Library, playing for hours at Dave Peel Park, walking around the Bentonville Square, and mini ice cream cones from Spark Café inside Walton's 5 & 10. There were afternoons at Austin-Baggett Park before The Momentary existed. Climbing the giant rock at Park Springs Park. Playing at the pirate-themed playground near Thaden Field before it became part of today's Osage Park. Summers spent at Rogers Aquatic Center.
And Northwest Arkansas kept growing…
The Bentonville Community Center opened just as we moved here. Citizens Park opened, and my kids still remember helping cut the ribbon with Mayor Orman. Lake Atalanta was transformed. NWA trail systems expanded. Coler opened. The Momentary opened.
Every year seemed to bring another opportunity for families to explore together. Liam found mountain biking through Pedal Kids and rock climbing at Climb Bentonville. Ardelia fell in love with dress-up, princess parties, and every magical event Princess Party Palace offered. We cheered through Trike Theatre productions, library programs, camps, festivals, sports, and enough community events that I've truly lost count.
More than anything, though, I wanted my kids to grow up curious. Curious enough to wander a trail, ask questions in a museum, climb one more rock, try a new activity, or say yes to the next adventure.
I hope all the families moving here today dive into every opportunity NWA offers. Still, if I've learned anything over the last thirteen years of motherhood, it's this: the places are wonderful, but the people are what make this community unforgettable.
Danielle Keller is the Owner and Editor-in-Chief of Peekaboo Magazine, a free family lifestyle publication, and co-host of the award-winning podcast People of Northwest Arkansas. A longtime storyteller and entrepreneur, she's passionate about celebrating the people, places, and experiences that make this region a special place to raise a family.
The Keller Family
Photo by Heather Hall Creatives
TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
ON MARRIAGE, KIDS, AND THE COMEDY OF REAL LIFE
Trey Kennedy makes a living finding comedy in regular life. Marriage. Toddlers. Yoga pants. The Thursday-night scramble between school dropoffs, soccer practice, and whatever has to be done by morning. Twelve years in, it shows: millions of followers across every platform, three stand-up specials, a sold-out Relatable Tour, and a style of humor fans send each other captioned, “Are you watching me?” He delivers the kind of comedy that travels because everyone’s living some version of it.
Katie, his wife of six years, is a former biomedical engineer who also built a modeling career. She’s now raising their kids and co-hosting Correct Opinions alongside Trey — the show where the two of them swap takes on marriage, parenting, and whatever came up that week.
Trey has been at this longer than people realize. An Edmond, Oklahoma kid who grew up playing basketball described himself as a “shy kid who never thought he’d be an entertainer.” He started making videos while attending Oklahoma State University. After building millions of followers on Vine before the platform shut down, he gave himself six months on Instagram and Facebook to see whether he could rebuild from zero. He did. Stand-up soon followed. His first special, Are You For Real?, streams on YouTube; the second, Grow Up, on Amazon Prime; the third, built around the Relatable Tour, wrapped earlier this year. “I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now,” he says. A slow climb, made one bit at a time.
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
“I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now.”
Most of what Trey writes lately starts in his own kitchen. Thomas is three and a half, and he is, in his father’s words, “a movie.” He narrates his own life from the moment his eyes open and mispronounces words in ways his parents now repeat to each other because no one else would believe them. His younger sister, Eva, is what Katie calls “the calm one.” With a third now in the mix, the Kennedys are officially outnumbered.
After six years of marriage, Trey and Katie have learned that the partnership runs best when it gets its own time on the calendar. So once a week, they leave the kids with a sitter and go out for coffee. “You need a system,” Katie says. “It’s about taking time to look each other in the eye. Not the kids. Not the cameras. Just each other.”
The same instinct shapes the work. Most of Trey’s trial and error happens onstage or on Instagram, but the first read is always Katie’s. “There’s only been one time ever I’ve had to be like, ‘you’re not doing that,’” she says. The rest of the time, she just laughs first.
FEATURING TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
Trey and Katie talk about marriage, parenting, and the moments that don’t make the Instagram feed.
Watch or listen to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts.
HAIR & MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE
