For the Kirby family, life in Moss Haven is equal parts busy, meaningful, and fun - exactly the way they like it.

Ben and Jessica Kirby moved to the neighborhood in 2014 from Hollywood Heights in Lakewood, quickly falling in love with the strong sense of community that makes Lake Highlands so special. Ben, Director of Enrollment Management at Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas, grew up in Dallas, while Jessica, who works in event planning with Fabulous Fête, is originally from Kansas City. The two first met while studying abroad in Costa Rica through the University of Kansas - a story their children still love hearing today.

Now, their home is filled with plenty of activity thanks to Charlie, 14, Cora, 13, Chloe, 7, two lovable pugs named Tulip and Bella, and a small but growing fish collection that includes Midnight and two still-unnamed rainbow fish.

With three active kids, the Kirby calendar stays full. Charlie enjoys rowing, basketball, and tennis, while Cora spends her time cheerleading, playing volleyball, and even showing chickens at the State Fair of Texas. Chloe rounds things out with soccer, basketball, swimming, and Girl Scouts.

Still, despite the packed schedules, the Kirbys make family traditions a priority. Every Sunday is reserved for dinner with extended family, and Thanksgiving means their annual trip to Siesta Key alongside college friends and their children - a tradition heading into its sixth year. Christmas Eve in the Kirby household is equally memorable, featuring a neighborhood minute-to-win-it competition that has become a favorite tradition for both kids and adults.

When they’re not juggling activities, the family enjoys simple moments together - walking to the park, playing card games, baking homemade crepes (Cora’s specialty), watching movies, and spending time outdoors with the dogs.

Jessica enjoys teaching Mahjong, taking neighborhood walks, and workout classes at the YMCA, while Ben loves golf, relaxing at the lake, and cheering on the Kansas Jayhawks and Kansas City Chiefs. He’s also passionate about helping parents better understand the challenges of raising kids in today’s technology-filled world, regularly speaking with schools, PTAs, churches, and community groups about navigating devices, apps, and social media safely.

The family has also stayed involved within the community over the years through Moss Haven Elementary, supporting PTA programs, Farm Club, auctions, and Lake Highlands EMERGE, while also giving back to organizations like Bonton Farms and DFW Pug Rescue.

What the Kirbys love most about Moss Haven is simple: people genuinely want to know one another.

From walking kids to school and grabbing sushi at Kaze to snow cone runs after movies and afternoons at the Moss Haven playground, the family has found that life in Lake Highlands is less about staying busy - and more about staying connected.