Ahwatukee, AZ August 2026

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Hold On

Just the other day, I wondered aloud to my son if I could still pick him up.

I remember the last time I did, just a couple of years ago. And I knew. I remember thinking, this is the last time. So I held on a little longer than usual. I memorized the weight of him, his legs wrapped around my waist. His head on my shoulder.

And even though I knew it in the moment, it still catches me off guard when I think about it now. Happy and sad and amazed all at once, in the way that only motherhood can make you feel.

My son is now 12 … somewhere between boyhood and whatever comes next. He will still watch a cartoon with me and cuddle up close, but I can see his world expanding. His friends are texting. He is searching for independence in the everyday. He’s ready for the next step. But I’m not so sure I am.

And then there is Atlas.

Our golden retriever has done the same thing, in his own way. The wild, untameable puppy energy has softened into something steady and sweet — all the things golden retrievers are known for and then some. Patience. Warmth. Uncomplicated love.

These days, my son and Atlas play basketball in the backyard (Atlas plays fantastic defense) and curl up together in front of the TV, and I find myself watching them thinking about how they grew up together these last few years. Both of them have taught me things I didn't expect to learn. And each of them have an uncanny ability to make an otherwise ordinary day feel like something worth remembering.

This issue is a celebration of the kids and pets who fill our homes with noise, fur, laughter and love. The ones who remind us to hold on to and to cherish every moment.

BETH DEL VILLE, EDITOR @AHWATUKEECITYLIFESTYLE

August 2026

PUBLISHER

Sherry York | sherry.york@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Beth Del Ville | beth.delville@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Stephanie Slezak

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Tianna Morimoto, Kris Ann Valdez,

Beth Del Ville, Kali Kasprzyk, Kristy Belley

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Kris Ann Valdez, Stephanie Slezak, Janie Jones

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Zach Miller

LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

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April - June Promotions

Whether

Bashas’ Launch Grocery Delivery and Pickup

Customers can now shop approximately 15,000 Bashas’ grocery items on Amazon.com and the Amazon shopping app — including fresh produce, bakery items, deli favorites, and everyday essentials — with same-day delivery to their doorstep or convenient pickup at their local Bashas’ store. Bashas.com | Amazon.com/Bashas

Photography courtesy of Bashas’

Hot Diggity Dog!

The history, the hype and the Valley spots serving up the best dogs in town

ARTICLE BY BETH DEL VILLE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHANIE SLEZAK

Hot dogs have become a quintessential American food, but the history of this sausage goes back centuries and overseas. Germany and Austria both lay claim as hot dog predecessors, with Frankfurt inventing the frankfurter in the late 1400s, and the people of Vienna (Wien , in German) originating the wienerwurst

Korean Dogs and Breakfast

3233 E. CHANDLER BLVD., PHOENIX, ARIZ. 85048

@KOREANDOGSBREAKFAST

This locally owned restaurant is known for its hot, crispy battered corn dogs. There are six to choose from: a plain corn dog with panko coating; the classic dog with sugar, ketchup, mustard and the house-made spicy mayo; the krispy dog with a crisp rice coating and sprinkled with sugar; a churro dog coated in cinnamon sugar; the potato dog with crunchy potato cubes; and a hot Cheeto dog drizzled with spicy mayo for an extra kick. Each is filled with a choice of a beef hot dog, melted cheese or half-and-half.

Ted’s Hot Dogs

1755 E. BROADWAY RD., TEMPE, ARIZ. 85282

@TEDSHOTDOGS

A tradition straight from Buffalo, New York, Ted’s Hot Dogs has been a staple in Tempe since 1983 and dishes out charcoal-grilled hot dogs with all the accompaniments. Choose from a variety of hot dogs and sausages, and more than 25 toppings and sauces to create a nearly endless variety of bun-believable combinations. Ted’s Hot Dogs recently opened its second Arizona location on Germann Road just west of Gilbert Road in Chandler.

So how did it become popular in America? We have Nathan to thank for that. Yes, that Nathan, of Nathan’s Famous. Nathan Handwerker started his iconic stand on Coney Island in 1916, selling hot dogs at half the price of his competitors at just five cents. They became so legendary, President Roosevelt even served Nathan’s hot dogs to England’s King George VI.

Since then, many have put their own unique twist on the hot dog. The New York dog with sauerkraut and brown mustard. Chicago style featuring neon-green relish, sport peppers and more. Sonoran style wrapped in bacon and

Portillo’s

7200 W. RAY RD., CHANDLER, ARIZ. 85226

It started as a tiny hot dog stand called The Dog House in Illinois in 1963 and has since transformed into a name synonymous with Chicago. Serving up the fully loaded Chicago-style hot dogs, Portillo’s piles its dogs high with mustard, relish, celery salt, chopped onions, sliced tomatoes, a pickle and sport peppers — no ketchup in sight. Choose from a regular or jumbo hot dog, plant-based garden dog or Polish sausage as the base.

topped with garnishes. Even the deep-fried Korean variety with textured coatings and cheesy centers.

Hot dogs are an easy way to feed a crowd — just toss them on a grill to be perfectly charred and serve them up with a side of crunchy chips, potato or macaroni salad, crispy fries and your favorite fixings, and you’ve got a meal. But your backyard isn’t the only place serving up delicious dogs.

These four Valley spots will allow you to get your fix without firing up the BBQ, and give you the chance to explore regional takes on the original favorite.

Ghost Ranch

1006 E. WARNER RD., TEMPE, ARIZ. 85284

Ghost Ranch gives the beloved street food a gourmet upgrade with its take on the Sonoran Hot Dog. Available only on the lunch menu, this version starts with a baconwrapped Polish sausage, draped in melted Oaxaca cheese and topped with frijoles charros, fresh pico de gallo and tangy pickled onions, finished with a drizzle of serrano aioli for a little heat. It arrives with a side of frijoles charros and rice, turning a classic handheld favorite into a full, fork-and-knife worthy meal.

Good Getaway A Doggone

VISIT THE CHARMING CALIFORNIA COASTAL TOWN WHERE YOUR DOG ISN’T JUST WELCOME, HE’S CELEBRATED

ARTICLE

BY SHERRY YORK PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

A social media reel of top dog-friendly hotels instantly intrigued me with the idea of a road trip with my furry best friend, Hammy. I soon realized that instead of bouncing from place to place, we could visit one incredibly dogfriendly town and have a great adventure there.

Introducing Cambria, California, an idyllic small town full of fantastic things to do with your pup.

Cambria is a coastal town in stunning Central California. While the nearly 10-hour drive is longer than what we’re used to for a trip to San Diego, it is absolutely worth it. Once you pass Los Angeles, you hit scenic hills. The real bonus comes closer to Cambria as you drive right through Paso Robles. We passed by a dozen gorgeous wineries, with pristine, rolling properties.

“ON

A FRIDAY AFTERNOON, WE WERE WARMLY GREETED AT CAMBRIA SHORES INN, WHICH SITS RIGHT ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE PACIFIC OCEAN.”

On a Friday afternoon, we were warmly greeted at Cambria Shores Inn, which sits right across the street from the Pacific Ocean. It served as our home base, and offers a major perk for pet owners: no weight restrictions for four-legged visitors. That was a huge plus, since Hammy is a bigger "good boy" who needs his space.

The family-owned boutique hotel rolls out the red carpet for both its human and canine guests. Hammy received dog treats and a welcome bag upon check-in, while the staff set out freshly baked brownies for humans. I was given vouchers for Madeline’s Wine Tasting Room, the adjacent restaurant with a dog-friendly patio, and enjoyed a delicious glass of wine and a fabulous burger.

The inn connected us with the Cambria Tourism Board, which shared a curated three-day itinerary built specifically around pups. It is a wonderful mix of activity, great food, spectacular views and friendly folks that will leave your vacation cups completely filled.

Saturday brought a light, nonstop rain, but we still explored. We only had to cross the street to reach the Moonstone

Beach Boardwalk. The one-mile boardwalk gave us a perfect walking trail. Dogs aren't allowed on this specific beach, but you don't have to travel far to find one they can enjoy.

Even in the rain, the town was packed with people walking dogs. We visited Maddie Mae’s Pet Pantry for pup treats. Then we stopped for lunch at Robin’s Restaurant, where we enjoyed the beautiful covered patio, tasty fish tacos and the extra attention Ham got from the staff.

Later, Hammy joined me for a late-afternoon wine tasting at Cayucos Cellars. The entire town could not have been more welcoming.

We started early Sunday with a breakfast basket filled with pastries, fruit and orange juice, an amenity delivered each morning of our stay by the hotel, before a short hike on the Bluff Trail. Then we hit the road home, having had the best weekend giving Hammy an incredible California adventure.

CambriaShores.com | VisitCambria.com

ARTICLE BY TIANNA MORIMOTO | PHOTOGRAPHY BY

A WINNING PERFORMANCE

ATHLETES AND COACHES AT DESERT VISTA HIGH SCHOOL MAKE HISTORY ONE CHEER AT A TIME

Hundreds of people gathered to watch the state’s best high school cheerleaders at the Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) Cheerleading competition in January.

This was an especially important day for the Desert Vista High School Cheer team, whose season was filled with triumph, history-making moments and many injuries.

The team waited backstage as their hype song played, and that was their cue to step onto the mat.

“Hey Thunder! Let’s roll! Yell our colors, they’re navy, gold!” the team yelled during their routine, filled with high-flying stunts and tumbling.

However, one challenge remained to complete this routine: nailing their second elite — something that gave the team trouble all season.

The second elite is a stunt where the flyer does a backwalkover, which is a backbend onto her hands with her feet

kicking over. Her feet are then caught by her teammates, who lift her into the air. While being lifted, the flyer does a full-and-aquarter turn to the top.

The pressure was on, and the girls delivered, completing the second elite with perfection.

“When they hit those, I dropped to my knees and had instant tears, because at that moment I knew we had won,” says Michael Miller, Desert Vista High School Cheer Program Varsity Head Coach and Program Director.

The team hit their final pyramid, finishing their routine, jumping and hugging each other in excitement.

“It was our best performance we’ve ever done,” says Melanie Maya, a recent Desert Vista High School graduate who was a flyer and captain of the cheer team. “I just felt very lucky that I was able to experience that, and I just knew that everything I put towards DV cheer was worth it.”

“MY GOAL IS TO CONTINUE TO BUILD A PROGRAM THAT THE GIRLS ARE EXCITED TO BE PART OF AND WANT TO BE PART OF AND WANT TO WORK FOR.”

- COACH MICHAEL MILLER

Soon, it was announced that Desert Vista High School was the AIA Division 1 Small All-Girl Cheer Champions. “We had hit zero. So they didn’t find anything wrong with our routine,” says Miller.

This was the first time in program history that Desert Vista High School hit zero at state finals, giving a perfect performance when it mattered the most.

The Desert Vista High School cheerleaders went on to compete in the Universal Cheer Association (UCA) National High School Cheerleading Championship in Orlando, Florida, where the junior varsity team placed 6th out of 13 in their division, and the varsity team ranked 38th out of 113 teams in their division.

Getting the Desert Vista High School cheer program to where it is today is an accomplishment Miller is proud of.

After joining the program in 2022, he immediately sat down with the girls and reviewed their goals. One was to compete in the Advanced Division at Nationals, which they accomplished that season.

“That team crawled, so the following team could walk, so the following team could jog, so the team that won state could run,” says Miller.

The dedication, skill level and passion for the cheer program only continued to rise.

Maya was a part of the varsity team all four years in high school. She says the cheer program has helped her grow as a leader and communicator.

“It’s really important to communicate with your team and have a good bond with each other because everyone wants the same

thing. Everyone wants to watch each other succeed and have that feeling that all the work that they put in was worth it,” says Maya.

Miller hopes to continue the cheer program's success. “My goal is to continue to build a program that the girls are excited to be part of and want to be part of and want to work for.”

To learn more about the Desert Vista High School Cheer Program, visit their Instagram page @DVThunderCheer.

THE MODERN-DAY VILLAGE FOUND Next Door

FROM MOVIE NIGHTS TO BACKYARD GARDENS, A NEIGHBORHOOD CAN BE A VILLAGE

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY KRIS ANN VALDEZ

My toddler sits on his knees, his marble run spread out on his plaid rug. “Mama, play with me,” he begs.

But I am furiously typing away at my laptop, buried in work. I feel a prick of guilt.

Then I remember what my next-door 70-year-old neighbor, Mr. Gary, told me: whenever you need help, I’m here, doing nothing. Retired, he’s dubbed it his "sit in the recliner and play Solitaire all day" phase. He admits he doesn’t like it.

Ever since the day my husband asked him for help and I asked him to dinner as a thank-you, he’s become family. So on this Tuesday, I recruit him to come over. I sit nearby as my toddler and him build their wooden towers, and I’m relieved to be able to work guilt-free finally.

In the afternoon, Mr. Gary helps my middle child fill out her Valentine’s Day cards, painstakingly spelling each classmate’s name.

I invite him to stay for dinner, as I so often do, because he craves company just as much as I crave help.

We take daily walks together, my husband mows his lawn and we exchange pet-sitting services. Mr. Gary even taught us how to build a fire the proper Boy Scout way.

But Mr. Gary isn’t the only neighbor we are close to. There’s also Ms. Linda, or “Galinda,” my daughter affectionately calls her, who is in her early 70s. After I found out she loves to write, I invited her to my weekly writer’s critique group, forming an endearing friendship.

Two summers ago, I stood in her raised garden beds, breaking up the soil with her fancy tiller so my daughter and I could grow vegetables under her tutelage.

She gave us unlimited access to her backyard to water, weed and harvest the bounty, and taught us how to protect little offshoots with old sheets.

Two streets down, we also have neighbors with kids the same age as ours. The gaggle of them climb trees, ride bikes and practice skateboard tricks, while we parents talk for hours, fold each other’s laundry and drink coffee. On the weekends, we play Settlers of Catan or watch movies together.

A few generations ago, none of this would have been novel. Children played until the dinner bell summoned them home. Neighbors lingered on porches.

Adults, I’m told, looked out for one another’s children as they darted from house to house.

Before that, for most of human history, tribes, compounds and villages shared the work of daily life. Childrearing was a community endeavor.

Research suggests that meaningful intergenerational relationships benefit both children and older people. Older adults who maintain strong social connections experience lower rates of loneliness and depression, better physical health, and a greater sense of purpose.

One study even found that older adults who walk daily and interact with friends or family are less likely to develop dementia.

Children benefit, too. Studies found that relationships with older adults can help them develop empathy, respect for others, practical life skills, and stronger emotional well-being.

“Our children have learned to lean on community, and that friendship doesn’t come with an age limit.”

Yet somewhere along the way, we began retreating indoors. Historians point to the Industrial Revolution as a turning point. Households became smaller. Families scattered geographically. Social circles shrank.

In this garage-door era, we’ve lost some of the very relationships that helped people thrive.

to intervene.

And when it comes to raising kids in a neighborhood, children are said to benefit from opportunities for age-appropriate independence that build their confidence, resilience, and social skills. This can look like biking to a nearby friend’s house, knocking on a neighbor’s door, or navigating small challenges without an adult

In my experience, our children have learned to lean on community, and that friendship doesn’t come with an age limit. An older man has a reason to get out of his recliner. Dogs are walked, gardens shared and dinner tables always seem to have room for one more.

And I am not raising my children alone.

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.

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.

AUGUST 2026

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

SUNDAYS

Ahwatukee Farmers Market

Ahwatukee Swim & Tennis Center | 8:00 AM

Fresh food, arts and crafts, food trucks and more come together each Sunday for this signature weekly community event. The Ahwatukee Farmers Market continues their summer hours this month, running from 8 to 11 a.m. through September. For more information, visit ArizonaCommunityFarmersMarkets. com/Ahwatukee-Farmers-Market.

SATURDAYS THROUGH SEPTEMBER 26TH

Desert Botanical Garden

Presents Flashlight Nights

Desert Botanical Garden | 7:00 PM

Beat the heat and experience the magic of the Garden after dark. Wander through the Garden’s trails by flashlight, come face-to-face with fascinating desert creatures and soak in the enchanting nighttime vibes. Discover a whole new side of the Garden and make it a night to remember with family and friends. DBG.org

THROUGH AUGUST 15TH

The Little Mermaid

Hale Theatre | 7:00 PM

Dive into a magical underwater adventure with the timeless tale of Ariel, a headstrong mermaid who longs to be human. In a fateful bargain, she trades her voice for a pair of legs and a chance at true love. Featuring songs like "Under the Sea," "Part of Your World," and "Kiss the Girl," this enchanting show is perfect for the whole family. HaleTheatreArizona.com

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