The Blanchats made the move to the neighborhood in January 2024 after four years in a townhouse near Knox/Henderson. The timing was impeccable: they’d just finished renovating their kitchen when they announced they were expecting Penelope. Originally from Tomball, TX (Leslie) and Little Rock, AR (Ben), they both attended SMU, though their paths didn’t officially cross until Leslie’s senior year, when Ben had already graduated. Six years of marriage later, they’ve built a life here in Dallas that blends charm, community, and just the right amount of toddler-induced unpredictability.

One of their most treasured weekly rituals is “Thursday Night Out,” a tradition that involves dinner somewhere around town, brave work with a one-year-old, but worth it. They also spend as much time as possible outdoors, whether that’s playing golf at Keeton Park, tackling yard projects, or wandering through local parks. When SMU sports season heats up, you’ll find them tailgating on the Boulevard or cheering on volleyball and basketball games.

Ben, a golf instructor at Keeton Park, keeps his swing sharp through the Tuesday Night Scramble, often joined by Leslie. Leslie, a sales executive with software company Workday, keeps her mind sharp with a virtual book club she’s been part of for over five years - proving that long-distance friendships can thrive with a little effort and a lot of group text threads.

The Blanchats attend Highland Park United Methodist Church and enjoy pitching in where they can. But perhaps their favorite thing about living in the M Streets is the people. When Penelope was born, their neighbors showed up with kindness, support, and open arms. “There’s something special about this area,” Leslie says. “The charm of the homes, the friendliness, the fact that people are always out and about. It feels like a true community.”

And here’s a fun detail: both Leslie and Ben’s mothers are artists, so much of the artwork in their home is original! Their home is a personal gallery that blends family history with creativity. The whole family loves playing music often, and listening to Domingo the Flamingo or Espresso by Sabrina Carpenter. 

When they’re not traveling to their favorite vacation spot in Watercolor, Florida, or enjoying a day trip to the PGA Omni Frisco, they’re likely in their front yard, laughing with neighbors, bubbles floating in the air. Because for the Blanchats, home isn’t just where you live, it’s where you make Thursday nights count, cheer for the Mustangs, and wave to the people who make the M Streets feel like family.