DALLAS — “Should I take off my shoes?”



It’s the first thing that comes to mind after ringing the doorbell at the Hanzal residence. I notice a pair of shoes by the front door, and through a glass door I can see two other pairs in the foyer.



As Martin Hanzal opens the door, he says hello and answers my first question.



“Go ahead and take ’em off,” Hanzal said. “It’s the European thing to do. I guess that’s why we do it.”



Shoes checked at the door, we head to the Hanzals’ living room, which connects to an open-concept kitchen. There’s a big sliding-glass door that overlooks a backyard with a pool and a concrete play area, featuring a pair of hockey nets and a basketball hoop.



Hanzal wants a bigger backyard for his kids. Back in the Czech Republic his yard is big enough to house a tennis court and a big barbecue area while leaving ample room for the kids to run. But...