When October rolls around, costumes and creativity take center stage, and this year, the Walker family brings the fun dressed as Ghostbusters for our cover. But behind the playful costumes, you’ll find a warm, energetic family who loves sports, traditions, and making the most of life together.

Kent and Destiny Walker moved to Louisville from Tennessee in 2018 and have called Lake Forest home since 2022. Together they’re raising their two daughters, Kyntlee (10, a 5th grader at CAL) and Kynadee (8, a 3rd grader at CAL), along with their two “wild” dogs: Memphis, a six-year-old Giant Schnoodle, and Louie, a five-year-old Teddybear Twoodle.

The Walker story began years ago in a hospital setting, where Destiny worked as a CT Technologist in the emergency department and Kent was starting his residency. With Kent training as an orthopedic surgeon, he often found himself in radiology, where the two got to know each other during long night shifts. That chance connection grew into love, marriage, and eventually a move across Tennessee to Memphis for Kent’s fellowship year.

Today, Kent is a pediatric orthopedic surgeon at Norton Children’s, while Destiny stays busy as a full-time mom, PTO volunteer, family “Uber driver,” and chef for her girls. Sports are a big part of family life. Both girls play soccer with Racing Academy, and basketball is another shared passion. Kyntlee plays for CAL and her AAU team, D.E. Elite, while Kynadee plays for CAL as well.

Family traditions mean a lot to the Walkers, especially at Christmas. One favorite is their annual Secret Santa exchange, where they draw names, shop in secret, and exchange thoughtful gifts chosen straight from the heart. Destiny also makes a special ornament for each daughter every year, complete with a ribbon cut to their height, their school photo, and fun facts. “It’s such a sweet way to capture time,” she shares. And as soon as Halloween ends, the Walkers waste no time decorating for the season ahead.

Travel is another thread that weaves the family together. The Walkers enjoy visiting new countries, but their most cherished tradition is their annual trip to Destin right before school starts, an end-of-summer reset filled with sunshine and relaxation. They also love sports travel, whether it’s catching Messi in Miami, watching Paige Bueckers at UConn, or heading to an NBA game. For this family, any excuse to see great athletes play is a good one.

In their free time, you’ll often find them grilling ribeyes, spending time with friends, and staying active in the community. Destiny volunteers weekly in the church nursery, while Kent lends his expertise as team doctor for Collegiate School and serves as an advocate for Samuel’s Miracle in Action, a foundation working toward a cure for spinal muscular atrophy.

As for life in Lake Forest, the Walkers are grateful for the connections they’ve made. With many of the girls’ school friends living nearby, playdates and bike rides are just around the corner. Being close to CAL is another blessing that makes daily life easier and more connected.

Whether they’re cheering from the sidelines, traveling for sports, or keeping up with their pups, the Walkers embrace the busy, joyful rhythm of family life. And true to their October cover, if there’s fun to be found, you can bet they’re not afraid to jump in.