Spr inting Toward Happiness
CHRISTIAN “LEO” LOPEZ PUT THE “RUN” IN RUNWAY.
Bringing the Best parts of life together - Kids and Pets!
As you open the pages of our August Issue you’ll find our focus on the most treasured parts of our lives as family - kids and pets! Whether it is the giggle of children, the snuggle from a puppy or a myriad of smiling faces at a family reunion picnic, the month of August brings us together in a More Than Special Way. We wish you great sunsets as we bring alive some More Than Special stories to share with your families.
“Sprinting Toward Happiness” shares highlights from the story of Christian “Leo” Lopez, our featured hero through our partnership with Children’s Cancer Fund. So happy to share he is now celebrating being cancer-free! His battle began in 2022 at the age of THREE, finding out his diagnosis matched that of his father as acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Being chosen as a model for the Children’s Cancer Gala shares his exuberance for life and his quest to become a marine biologist!
“Dig Into A New Fun Family Activity Space - DIG WORLD” Business partners Jason Robinson and Alex Carroll share their creation in their second location in nearby Grapevine. Focusing on, “how do we bring people together, families together, build experiences together?” led to this creation.The passion heralds through the survival of a harrowing illness of Robinson’s eldest son Pierce and the family’s battle to help him live his best life going forward. What a difference the place makes in the hearts of so many - AND even Big Kids At Heart can play in the dirt as well!
“Top Dogs and Their Pets” is showcased through the efforts of decorated photojournalist of the Dallas Morning News, David Woo. As one of the country’s most respected visual storytellers, Woo created this collection of notable people and their beloved pets. In this feature we share the importance of animals in all shapes and sizes and the dramatic influence that they play in our lives.
Sharing these more than special stories brings a significant purpose to who we are and how we offer our community new ideas and faces to get to know. It is always an honor to reach into each of your homes month after month and help others be more aware of those fabulous families right down the street. Best to you, always!
“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” Exodus 20:12
"But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith.” 1 Timothy 5:8
LINDA LIVINGSTON, PUBLISHER @PARKCITIESLIFESTYLE (817) 613-7723
August 2026
PUBLISHER
Linda Livingston | linda.livingston@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Drew Cotner | drew.cotner@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Drew Cotner | drew.cotner@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Mark Hanna | mark.hanna@citylifestyle.com
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
Sprinting Toward Happiness
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A Ballet by Kenneth Tindall
WINSPEAR OPERA HOUSE | SEP 18-20
BASS PERFORMANCE HALL | OCT 2-4
WINSPEAR OPERA HOUSE | nOV 27-DEC 6
BASS PERFORMANCE HALL | DEC 11-27
WYLY THEATRE | FEB 19-21
BASS PERFORMANCE HALL | FEB 26-28
WINSPEAR OPERA HOUSE | MAY 14-16
BASS PERFORMANCE HALL | MAY 21-23
Former Principal Dancer Alexander Kotelenets and Principal Dancer Nicole Von Enck
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Join us as Zimmermann in NorthPark Center hosts the KidneyTexas, Inc. Luncheon and Fashion Show. 2: Dallas Symphony Orchestra League (DSOL) President Claire Catrino presented a check for $1,500,000 to Michelle Miller Burns 3: Brother Bill’s Helping Hand Food Pantry. Helping neighbors shop and carry groceries out to vehicles as needed. 4: The STEAM Festival at Fair Park, a free community celebration where creativity meets innovation and wellness. 5: Megan Moroney will be at American Airlines Center on August 14, 2026 at 7:00 PM 6: Dallas International Film Festival brings awesome movies and cool vibes to theaters around Dallas. 7: Hands-on: Pizza Napoletana with Rosso Pomodoro at Eataly Dallas, La Scuola this August 12th.
Want to be seen in the magazine?
DANNY CAMPBELL
business monthly
Hola HP! Annual Staff Meeting
The Hola HP familia recently came together for our annual staff meeting and happy hour to celebrate another successful year. The event provided an opportunity to reflect on key achievements, recognize the dedication and hard work of our tutors, and share exciting plans for the future. Following the meeting, staff enjoyed time connecting and celebrating together at a happy hour gathering. It was a wonderful way to acknowledge our collective accomplishments and strengthen team relationships as we look ahead to the 26-27 school year.
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Million Air Dallas
Skip the crowds and elevate your summer travel with the MAnext Jet Pass Enjoy the convenience of private aviation with flexible scheduling, discounted charter rates, and personalized concierge service for every trip. Members gain access to a global charter network with transparent pricing and no hidden fees. Powered by Million Air Dallas’ 40+ years of operational excellence, the MAnext Jet Pass offers a smarter, more luxurious way to travel this summer. Visit MAnext.com/jet-pass for more information.
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The Luxury FBO Experience
Designed with Pilots in Mind
Every bite you take helps us fuel second-chance employment and directly supports St. Philip’s School and Community Center.
Ruthie’s makes every occasion unforgettable. Choose from our public or private food truck catering, catering at Ruthie’s Cafe, or onsite catering at your venue. Wherever you are in the Dallas Metroplex, Ruthie’s is here to make your event unforgettable. Scan the QR code above to view our catering packages.
Monday-Friday: 1632 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Suite 100
Barney & Boots
Founded by SMU roommates, Juan Ramos and John Scoggins, Barney & Boots, is a ranch-rooted dog food company built on real ingredients, honest standards, and the belief that dogs deserve better than industrial diets. Barney and Boot’s makes nutrient-dense, shelf-stable meals from whole foods, premium proteins, beef tallow, and clean, functional ingredients — no synthetics, no seed oils, no fillers. As sixth-generation cattle ranchers, they know what it takes to raise healthy animals. At Barney and Boots, they don’t cut corners on your dog’s health, happiness, or longevity.
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Dallas CASA Friends and Supporters
Dallas CASA friends and supporters, gathered beneath NorthPark Center’s iconic Ad Astra sculpture to thank the 2026 playhouse creators and celebrate the final weekend of the
31st annual Parade of Playhouses at The Closing Party. As guests enjoyed refreshments from Breadwinners, they reflected on another successful year of imaginative playhouse designs that delighted thousands of visitors while raising awareness for children living in foster care.
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The Dirk Nowitzki Foundation 8th Annual Tennis Classic
The Dirk Nowitzki Foundation 8th Annual Tennis Classic is scheduled for Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Banner House (formerly T Bar M Racquet Club) in Dallas. The star-studded, lighthearted exhibition raises funds for North Texas non-profits focusing on children’s health, education, and well-being.
The Dirk Nowitzki Foundation 8th Annual Tennis Classic returns to double up the courts at @bannerhousedallas.
ARTICLE BY KELSEY KOSH
SPRINTING Toward HAPPINESS
Post
three-year
cancer battle,
Christian “Leo” Lopez put the “run” in runway.
In 2022, two months after his dad received the same diagnosis, a then three-year-old Christian “Leo” Lopez heard the words: Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. “Ever since then, it’s been a blur,” says Lopez’s mom, Stephanie Corona.
Lopez had not been acting like himself for several months prior to his diagnosis. “He was getting sick all the time, eating less, feeling weak, not playing like a normal three-year-old,” Corona remembers. She would bring Lopez to urgent care facilities, the nurses would examine him, and they would conclude he had a simple sinus infection or a similar cold-like condition. Corona and Lopez would head home, a course of antibiotics in hand, only for the cycle to repeat.
On one rough night, Corona decided to take Lopez to the emergency room instead. Lopez was transferred to Children’s Hospital immediately, and the doctors told Corona they suspected cancer. “He went through the whole process of the pediatric leukemia treatment,” Corona says. Luckily, Lopez didn’t need radiation or any transplants, but he did need to have a port put in and chemo administered. “I don’t remember how many rounds,” Corona says of what became a three-year process.
One proud moment during treatment was when Lopez accepted doctor’s accessing his port. He normally screamed, cried, and wholeheartedly fought the procedure. “It was like all hell broke loose,” Corona explains. But this particular time, he didn’t. “One day he just automatically said, ‘Yeah, go ahead, poke me. It’s not
going to hurt me, and I’m not going to scream or move,’” Corona says. “I think that was one of the proudest moments I felt for him.”
Another highlight was attending Camp Esparanza, a summer camp for pediatric cancer patients. “They spend a week at the camp, and staff have a bunch of activities for them,” says Corona. It was a bit nerve-wracking to be away from family—for both Lopez and Corona—but Corona says the camp became a memorable moment. “He came back as happy as he could be, and he’s excited to go again,” she says.
Having his dad go through similar treatment, made it easier for Lopez understand what was happening to him and remain optimistic. His dad also had a port, went through chemo, and has had a few bone marrow transplants during his own treatment journey. “I think [having his dad going through a similar experience] really helped lean Leo to the ‘We can do this!’ side,” Corona says.
Lopez, who wants to be a marine biologist when he grows up, became cancer free in August 2025, more than three years after his initial diagnosis. He gets retested to see if he is still in remission every month, but so far, all his exams look clear. His dad, however, is still battling the disease and recently underwent Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell therapy.
Last fall, Lopez was selected to be a model for the 2026 Children’s Cancer Fund Gala. Patients from Children’s Health begin applying to be models months in advance, and the gala’s board members select 18 to 20 to participate in the gala. Models
“We've always been positive, and just taking it one thing at a time with his dad and Leo,” Stephanie Corona.
Christian Lopez
are later announced at an event at NorthPark shopping center and gifted a custom Cowboys football with their name on it and a shopping spree—what Corona says was a memorable moment for Lopez. “I am excited about being a CCF fashion show model because I am handsome,” Lopez wrote on his model profile.
Models also select their runway outfit from Dillard’s, then strut their stuff at the gala with a celebrity figure of their choosing. Lopez wanted to walk the runway with Steve from the Minecraft movie, but that wasn’t possible, so he was assigned one of the event’s biggest supporters, former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman. He and Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott are honorary event co-chairs for the Children’s Cancer Fund Gala.
“Every time I come back, I’m reminded of the strength and courage these children show—not just on the runway, but in their daily fight. Being part of this is one of the most meaningful experiences of my life,” says Aikman. “It’s been an honor to stand beside them and their families and to watch this gala grow in impact and heart year after year. Being a part of something that brings hope, healing, and critical support to so many is truly one of the most meaningful experiences of my life.”
Buzzing with energy, Lopez sprinted down the runway in a dark blue suit, a smiling Aikman trotting in tow. That night, Corona says it was hard to get him to sleep because he was so excited. “Being a cancer patient, you had to stay home, be careful with germs everywhere, and not be around too many people, but being involved in something like that really helped us, and seeing him be with children, and just feeling
“As a cancer patient, you had to stay home, be careful about germs everywhere, and avoid being around too many people. But being involved with the Children’s Cancer Fund Gala really helped us,” Stephanie Corona said.
Stephanie Corona (Mom), Christian Lopez, Christian Lopez (Dad)
like the center of attention, it was really welcoming,” says Corona.
The only thing missing that night was Lopez’s dad, who unfortunately, couldn’t leave the hospital to make it to the event.
“Leo understood his dad wasn’t able to be there, but he had a lot of distraction with his aunt and uncle being there,” Corona explains. “He was really happy that night.”
Lopez will continue tests to confirm he is still in remission regularly, though the frequency will drop over time if scans continue to look clear. He has been largely able to resume daily life, and next year, may shift from homeschooling to public school, if his family feels it’s appropriate.
They continue to hope for recovery for Lopez’s father as well. “We’ve always been positive, and just taking it one thing at a time with his dad and Leo,” Corona says.
Christian Lopez
Christian Lopez
Christian Lopez
Deeper DIGGING
The Meaningful Simplicity of Playing in Dirt
ARTICLE BY LAUREN PILAND
Going back to your roots has had a powerful and quite literal meaning for Jacob Robinson. Born of the generation that played outside until the street lights came on, rode bikes down dirt roads, and didn’t flinch getting their hands dirty. A more simplistic way of life that we often see vanishing in the rearview of our fast-paced future.
But, like most modern, young families, the hustle and bustle of everyday life can interfere with grand plans of presence, connection and plain fun. In 2019 Jacob set out to change that. Not only for his family, but for others. He asked himself, “how do we bring people together, families together, build experiences together?” Dig World might have seemed like just a fun concept at first - a park where kids get to play in dirt and maneuver construction machinery. But, that idea ended up just scratching the surface of the magic that lies beneath.
The Robinsons had learned firsthand the importance of quality time and creating memories with the ones you love the most. After a harrowing illness at two years old, their eldest son, Pierce, was left forever changed. Building this place for not only his own son who loves construction, but for his community as whole, has been an endeavor worth the risk. “The goal is for everyone to be able to mentally check out, be here, be present,” Jacob says.
From driving skid steers and digging with excavators, to racing mini tractors and making basketball shots from boom lifts, Dig World has become a place where the essence of simplistic, hands-on fun takes precedence. The kind of fun that doesn’t need to be taught. The kind of fun that lets imaginations run wild. The kind of fun that lets kids act like, well… kids. “I don’t recall asking my Dad to take me to work with him when I was young, although I would have liked spending time with him, but how amazing is it I get to bring my kids here with me, and they enjoy it so much. Even if we closed the doors tomorrow, it’d all be worth it,” he says.
Watching the joy and experiences families, friends and the community live out walking through the front gates of their Texas property has been a reward bigger than he imagined. But at the heart at what remains true, is the purpose behind the park. The simple ways kids can be kids, parents can let loose, and memories can be carved out like indentations in the sand. “We get to work at a job that our customers will remember forever. How humbling and insane is that?” Jacob says. Memories made for all.
CONTINUED >
There’s a common misconception that digging in dirt is just for the boys, but Jacob explains that kids of all ages, girls included, also have the time of their lives operating heavy machinery, driving around the track and spending screen-free time with their families and friends. Striving to make the park more and more accessible for all is a constant goal for Jacob as well.
They host quarterly Special Needs Nights for the whole family, in addition to being the proud partners of the Make-AWish Foundation. Events like these really let Jacob and his team step outside the day-to-day operations, and remind them what a difference this place makes in the hearts of so many. His son Pierce is now nonverbal but has an uncanny ability to recognize and react to visuals like logos, and Jacob explains that, “he’ll pull at the DIG logo on my shirt, and that just means the world to me knowing he truly loves this place so much.” After Dig World officially took root in Katy, TX in 2022, Jacob and his family faced another detour - a dicey one.
In 2025, Jacob was approached to appear on ABC’s Shark Tank . Now swimming with the big sharks, Dig World struck a deal with financier, Robert Herjavec. But this appearance was more than just Hollywood smoke and mirrors. “It was an amazing experience,” he says. “It forced us to kind of put our future plans into gear, really get us thinking about where and how we want to grow.” And, digging deeper and growing goals are in no shortage around here. “We’ve set out to open ten parks in five years, all over the country,” Jacob explains.
DIG WORLD | @DIGWORLDNATION.COM
The Robinsons had learned firsthand the importance of quality time and creating memories with the ones you love the most. After a harrowing illness at two years old, their eldest son, Pierce, was left forever changed.
“And now we get the chance to dream big, build more parks, and open them around the country, and bring my kids to visit, how cool is that?” Jacob says.
Their second location is opening this summer in Grapevine, TX. And with the hindsight of running a successful park for three years, crafting and building out a second one has been quite the expansive experience. Along with co-owner Alex Carroll, the brains behind the creative experience, they lovingly refer to this next chapter as Dig World 2.0. With elevated activities and branding, their flagship Katy Mills location will boast new upgrades to match. “And now we get the chance to dream big, build more parks, and open them around the country, and bring my kids to visit, how cool is that?” Jacob says.
DIG World is located adjacent to Grapevine Mills mall and in addition to excavator games, a skid steer course and boom lifts, they have a full playground, pavilion, gem mining, yard games and dig boxes perfect for field trips and corporate events. More info can be found at DigWorldNation.com
Top Dogs and Their Pets
PULITZER-WINNING PHOTOGRAPHER DAVID WOO CAPTURES FAMOUS TEXANS’ TENDER, JOYFUL BONDS WITH THEIR BELOVED PETS
ARTICLE BY DAVE MUSCARI
Pat Green and Moose
Sara Hickman and Mimi
If you’ve read The Dallas Morning News over the past four decades, chances are you’ve encountered David Woo’s byline, or more likely, paused to admire one of the striking images that accompanied it.
Before retiring in 2018, the decorated photojournalist spent 42 years documenting the complexities of the world around him: the good, the bad, and the unforgettable.
Through his lens, readers witnessed history in the making, from major news events and political milestones to intimate human-interest stories that revealed the resilience, joy, and determination of everyday people.
His photographs not only informed but also connected audiences to moments that might otherwise have gone unseen.
Known for a keen eye, impeccable timing, and the ability to find humanity in every assignment, Woo built a reputation as one of the country’s most respected visual storytellers.
Whether covering events close to home or traveling thousands of miles from Dallas, Woo consistently captured images that transcended the moment, preserving stories that continue to resonate long after the headlines have faded.
His impressive body of work reflects a distinguished career in journalism, much of it spent behind the camera documenting history as it unfolded.
Woo’s assignments have carried him across 38 states and to destinations on four continents, where he has covered some of the world’s most significant events. Along the way, he built a reputation for capturing the compelling, often iconic images that defined his work.
“Being in the right place at the right time is always helpful; however, working for a distinguished publication, such as The Dallas Morning News, and having the tremendous amount of support from writers, editors, and visionary management, made it all possible,” says Woo, characteristically handing generous credit to his press colleagues.
Over the years, Woo has written a series of fascinating books. His latest is a spectacular compendium
of his years as a globetrotting photojournalist called “WOO! The Decisive Moment.”
Many of Woo’s most significant moments are featured in the book and came while covering major news events around the globe.
His assignments included documenting the mass exodus of thousands of Cubans during the 1980 Mariel boatlift, investigating the mysterious deaths of priests in Central America between 1982 and 1984, and covering the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, South Korea.
He also produced powerful images of children affected by war in Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Honduras in 1984, and reported from the aftermath of the devastating 1985 Mexico City earthquake.
Woo’s assignments further took him to the State of Palestine during the 1988 conflict, to Mexico in 1979 and San Antonio in 1987 for visits by Pope John Paul II, and to Israel in 2007 for the 40th anniversary of the Six-Day War.
Among his most personal assignments was a 2008 deployment to Iraq, where he spent several weeks embedded with his son’s unit, U.S. Army Sgt. Jake Woo. At the time, they were believed to be the only fatherand-son journalist-soldier team granted permission to work together inside the war zone.
Over the years, Woo often developed relationships with his subjects, many of whom endure to this day.
“Taking a photo of someone can be a very personal experience,” he says. “There is a vulnerability that exists in many of these situations, as people let you into their lives and people trust that I will respect that about them, which I always tried to do.”
When Park Cities Lifestyle shared the theme of this issue, celebrating the special bond between kids and pets, Woo immediately embraced the idea and generously offered a collection of portraits that felt tailor-made for the occasion.
“Several years ago, with my friend and Dallas Morning News colleague, Richard Pruitt, I photographed people and their beloved pets,” said Woo, who is pictured above with his beloved late Basset Hound, Chester.
“Many of the people we photographed were quite famous, but all of them became putty in the paws of their cherished pets. It was an extraordinary experience.” – David Woo
“There is a vulnerability that exists in (taking people’s pictures), as (they) let you into their lives, and trust that I will respect that about them …” – David Woo
Laura Bush and Barney
(left) and Miss Beasley
FRIENDLY
His images capture the genuine affection, playfulness, and quiet moments of companionship that make these relationships so meaningful.
Drawn from his remarkable archive and keen photographic eye, the portraits reflect the same storytelling instincts that have defined his career, revealing the warmth, personality, and authenticity found in everyday connections between children and their beloved animals.
“We travelled all over the country for photo shoots,” said Woo. “Many of the people we photographed were quite famous, but all of them became putty in the paws of their cherished pets. It was an extraordinary experience. And the vulnerability and love were unmistakable.”
The photos include former Texas State Musician, Sara Hickman, with her cat, Mimi; Texas country performer Pat Green, with Moose; first lady Laura Bush, holding Barney (left) and Miss Beasley; late golf legend Byron Nelson and Peppy Lee Bueno; NFL Hall of Famer Roger Staubach and Ryan; and Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Lisa Loeb and Chinchy Morty.
From his book “Top Dogs and Their Pets,” Woo’s jubilant photos of famous Texans and their best friends speak volumes about the importance of animals of all shapes and sizes, and the dramatic influence on our lives.
LEARN MORE: David Woo may have retired in 2018, but he’s still making an impact. Nowadays, he speaks to storytelling and communications students at Dallas Baptist University every semester, sharing stories from his professional experiences while offering photographic tips, critiques, and advice.
Lisa Leob and Chinchy Morty
Byron Nelson and Peppy Lee Bueno
Roger Staubach and Ryan
ARTICLE BY KRISTY BELLEY PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Ready to give this childhood classic the upgrade it deserves? Whether you’re packing your kid’s lunch or treating yourself to something special, these elevated PB&J creations will make anyone excited for lunchtime.
THE ART OF THE UPSCALE
The secret to an elevated PB&J isn’t complicated—it’s all about premium ingredients and creative combinations. Swap that white bread for artisanal sourdough, brioche, or even croissants. Trade processed jelly for fresh fruit compotes, gourmet preserves, or actual fresh berries that burst with flavor.
Quality nut butters make all the difference. Think creamy almond butter, rich cashew spread, or that perfectly salted natural peanut butter from the farmer’s market. These simple swaps instantly elevate your sandwich from ordinary to extraordinary.
Bread Options
• Artisanal sourdough
• Brioche
• Croissants
• Multigrain bread
• Cinnamon raisin bread
• Hawaiian sweet bread
• Whole wheat bread
• Thick-cut bread (for open-face)
Nut & Seed Butters
• Natural peanut butter
• Almond butter
• Dark chocolate almond butter
• Cashew butter
• Coconut butter
• Nutella
Fresh Fruits
• Strawberries
• Fresh blueberries
• Fresh raspberries
• Fresh peaches
• Kiwi
• Mixed berries
• Bananas
• Pears
Preserves & Sweet Spreads
• Honey
• Fig jam
• Mango preserves
• Raspberry preserves
• Grape jelly
• Marshmallow cream
Toppings & Add-ins
• Fresh mint leaves
• Granola
• Toasted coconut flakes
• Cream cheese
• Everything bagel seasoning
• Dark Chocolate Syrup
TRANSFORM YOUR HUMBLE PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY SANDWICH FROM LUNCH BOX BASIC TO GOURMET GREATNESS
COMBOS TO Try:
The Sophisticated Sweet: Nutella, sliced strawberries, and a drizzle of honey on brioche bread
The Panini Perfection: Peanut butter, fresh blueberries, and marshmallow cream pressed between sourdough slices
The Beautiful Mess: Your favorite nut butter topped with sliced fresh peaches, kiwi, or berries, then drizzled with golden honey or sprinkled with toasted coconut on thick-cut bread
The Grown-Up Classic: Almond butter, fig jam, and thinly sliced pears on multigrain bread
The Breakfast Crossover: Cashew butter, sliced bananas, and a sprinkle of granola on cinnamon raisin bread
The Tropical Twist: Coconut butter, mango preserves, and toasted coconut flakes on Hawaiian sweet bread
The Chocolate Dream: Dark chocolate almond butter, raspberry preserves, and fresh mint leaves on whole wheat
The Savory Surprise: Natural peanut butter, grape jelly, and a thin layer of cream cheese with everything bagel seasoning
PRO TIPS FOR LUNCHBOX SUCCESS
Toast your bread lightly for extra texture, even if you’re making it ahead. Create a barrier with your spread to prevent soggy sandwiches—apply nut butter to both sides, then add your sweet elements in the middle. Pack fresh elements separately and assemble just before eating when possible.
Cut into fun shapes with cookie cutters, wrap in parchment paper tied with twine, or pack in a bento box with complementary sides like apple slices, fancy crackers, or dark chocolate squares.
THE BOTTOM LINE
An elevated PB&J proves that sometimes the best meals come from taking something familiar and making it special. These upgraded versions will have everyone asking for the recipe—and maybe even offering to trade lunches.
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
AUGUST 2026
AUGUST 7TH
Dallas
Wings vs. Golden State Valkyries
American Airlines Center | 8:30 PM
Dallas’ All-Star Paige Beuckers and the WNBA home team take its game to Big D’s largest basketball arena for three exciting summertime contests, including an August 20 game against record-setter Caitlan Clark and Indiana. AmericanAirlinesCenter.com
AUGUST 12TH
Derek Hough, Symphony of Dance
Texas Trust CU Theatre (Grand Prairie) | 8:00 PM
The uber-popular choreographer, actor, singer, television personality, and longtime “Dancing with the Stars” judge returns to DFW with an encore performance of his popular dance series, which has delighted fans around the world. TexasTrustCUTheatre.com
AUGUST 14TH
Megan Meroney, JP Saxe, Solon Holt
American Airlines Center | 7:00 PM
The Georgia megastar country singer made hay with her first single, “Hair Salon,” followed by “Tennessee Orange,” “Am I OK?” and “No Caller ID.” AmericanAirlinesCenter.com
WHERE CARE MEETS COMMUNITY
–Celia, Family Member
Set your schedule. Make an impact. Build a life you’re proud of.
Behind each of our 200+ City Lifestyle magazines is someone who cares deeply about their community. Someone who connects people, celebrates businesses, and shares the stories that matter most. What if that someone was you?
Or maybe it’s someone you know. If this isn’t the right time for you, but you know someone who could be the perfect fit, we’d love an introduction.
CONTINUED
AUGUST 15TH Train
Dos Equis Pavilion (Fair Park) | 6:45 PM
With unforgettable rock radio hits like the expansive “Drops of Jupiter” and “Hey Soul Sister,” the group has spent its fair share at the top of the pop charts, now on tour celebrating 25 years of performing together. LiveNation.com
AUGUST 22ND
Zach Bryan, MJ Lenderman, Fey Fili
AT&T Stadium (Arlington) | 7:00 PM
Red-hot doesn’t begin to describe the country star, a Grammy-winning U.S. Navy veteran from Oklahoma, who found huge success with big hits like “Something in Orange” and “I Remember Everything,” a duet with talented Texas singer Kacey Musgraves. ATTstadium.com
AUGUST 25TH Garden Sketchbook
Journaling
Botanical Gardens (Green Venue) | 6:00 AM
This creative arts workshop focuses on expressive drawing and mixed-media sketchbook techniques inspired by botanical forms and artwork throughout the Dallas Arboretum. Participants will explore artistic ways to walk in nature seeing the visual elements through close observation, experimentation, and imagination while creating a finished sketchbook page or small mixed-media artwork to take home. Instructor: Brett Dyer, Brett Dyer Art www.dallasarboretum.org
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