Originally from St. Paul, Minnesota, David and Cleveland, Ohio, Abby followed similar academic paths before starting their careers. Both attended Wheaton College in Chicago for undergrad and later earned graduate degrees from Johns Hopkins. Their professional backgrounds are impressive and varied. David is a former CIA officer, best-selling spy novelist, and the host of the podcast Rest Is Classified. Abby previously served as a presidential policy director and now writes as a columnist for Bloomberg and The Dallas Morning News, in addition to hosting her own podcast, Beyond Talking Points.

At home, life is busy and lively. David and Abby are raising three children — Miles (10), Leo (8), and Mabel (5) — alongside Lily, their English cream golden retriever, and Sticky, a leopard gecko who is very much part of the family. The kids are curious, creative, and constantly learning. All three speak Spanish. Miles and Leo play piano, and both boys are learning tennis. Leo also plays baseball on an East Dallas team, while Miles loves spending time outdoors swimming, biking, fishing, and drawing. Mabel is happiest dancing, creating art, and embracing anything pink.

Creativity runs through the household. There’s plenty of reading and writing, but also 3D printing, Lego builds, and homemade comics spread across tables and floors. Evenings often center around cooking together. David and Abby cook most nights, usually with a martini nearby and everyone helping in the kitchen. Mediterranean night is a favorite, complete with lamb and roasted vegetables.

Time outdoors is equally important. Much of family life revolves around the pool: swimming, hot tubbing, and hosting informal happy hours where kids splash while adults gather around the fire pit. Family game nights and movie nights are a regular fixture, balancing full schedules with time at home.

Both parents stay active outside the house as well. Abby plays piano, sings, and takes tennis lessons. David does CrossFit and recently celebrated his 40th birthday by playing in a full nine-inning men’s baseball game. The family is also deeply involved at All Saints Dallas, where their church community has become a significant part of their social life. They regularly travel with friends from church and prioritize shared experiences together.

Service is another meaningful thread. Abby volunteers with The Human Impact and is a former board member. David previously served on the board at All Saints Dallas. Their commitment to community extends beyond organizations and into daily life with neighbors.

What they love most about Lakewood is simple: living by the lake. Abby walks there every morning. They also appreciate the neighborhood’s architecture, especially the historic homes, and the people who live among them. Their relationships with neighbors are close and personal — so much so that there are few secrets left. From sharing deeply meaningful moments to gathering for birthday parties and backyard events, neighbors have become true friends.

Their advice to families new to Lakewood is clear: invest in your neighbors. Life is busy, but the connections made close to home are irreplaceable.

Favorite local spots include Meso Maya, Hudson House, Haystack, Houndstooth, and Gemma. Lakewood itself is their go-to hangout, while nearby favorites include NorthPark, the zoo, and the Arboretum — especially during the holidays. Family traditions include the Fourth of July parade, Halloween in the neighborhood, and Christmas at the Arboretum. When they travel, Montana tops the list.

After ten years, Lakewood isn’t just where David and Abby live — it’s where their family life has taken shape, one walk, one meal, and one neighbor at a time.