Create Celebrate Shine
A modern creative studio for kids to explore, create, and celebrate life’s little moments. Open play and crafts during the week, Mommy and Me events, birthday parties, movement classes for kids, workshops, and so much more!
thelittlesparkstudio.com howdy@thelittlesparkstudio.com 13617 FITZHUGH RD. AUSTIN, TX
LIFESTYLE LETTER
Growing Together
This issue holds a special place in my heart. As a husband and father, I know that children are more than just the future. They are the heart of our West Austin community today. Their laughter, curiosity, and energy fill our homes, schools, parks, and neighborhoods with life.
My wife and I spend a lot of time thinking about how to give our kids every opportunity to learn, grow, and become kind, confident people. Like so many families in West Austin, we know that raising children is one of life's greatest joys. At the same time, our kids teach us just as much. They remind us to slow down, appreciate the little moments, and see the world with fresh eyes.
Pets are an important part of that journey, too. They become members of the family, offering unconditional love while teaching children responsibility, compassion, and kindness. They encourage kids to be active, patient, and caring, and they quickly become cherished members of the family.
One of the things I appreciate most about West Austin is how much this community values families. An afternoon at a neighborhood park, cheering on a local sports team, exploring a new family activity, or supporting the businesses featured throughout this issue all create opportunities to make memories together.
This month's issue celebrates the children, families, and pets that make West Austin such a wonderful place to call home. I hope it encourages you to unplug for a while, spend time together, and enjoy everything our community has to offer.
Thank you for being part of the West Austin City Lifestyle family. I hope you enjoy this special Kids & Pets issue.
With gratitude,
BRYAN STONE, PUBLISHER
August 2026
PUBLISHER
Bryan Stone | Bryan.Stone@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Michelle Wood | Michelle.Wood@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Steven Valentin | Steven.Valentin@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS
Alissa Cordoba | Alissa@alissacordobabrands.com
Claire Smith | Claire@littleacornsphoto.com
Kim Ortiz | Kim@kimortiz.com
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
is looking. Build unmatched local credibility on the page,
1: Family entertainment destination featuring bowling, laser tag, axe throwing, and games at High 5. 2: Curated women’s fashion boutique featuring colorful seasonal styles, unique accessories, and effortless everyday looks. 3: Serving handcrafted shaved ice, specialty drinks, and sweet treats perfect for Texas summers. 4: Frontyard Brewing brings together craft brews, open green space, family fun, and dog-friendly gatherings. 5: Chisos Grill in Bee Cave pairs Southwestern-inspired cuisine with handcrafted cocktails and inviting patio dining. @FRONTYARDBREWING
@CHISOSGRILL
@BAHAMABUCKS_BEECAVE
WHAT HIGH-NET-WORTH INVESTORS ARE REVIEWING IN 2026 TO REDUCE TAXABLE GAINS AND INCOME TAX
In 2026, many high-net-worth investors are facing significant taxable gains from appreciated stock portfolios, business liquidity events, real estate sales, and concentrated positions.
At Old Vine Capital, we help families, business owners, and qualified investors evaluate tax-aware strategies as part of a broader fiduciary wealth management plan — coordinated with each client’s CPA and legal advisors.
Tax-aware strategies investors are reviewing include:
• Custom long/short equity indexing designed to track a passive equity benchmark while increasing opportunities for tax-loss harvesting that may help offset realized stock, real estate, or business capital gains.
• Investment real estate depreciation, including cost segregation and bonus depreciation, which may create deductions for qualifying real estate investors and real estate professionals.
• Qualified purchaser alternative funds that may target differentiated or lesscorrelated returns, with certain structures potentially passing through deductible expenses or losses.
• Solo 401(k) and retirement plan design for business owners and entrepreneurs seeking to contribute meaningful amounts to tax-deferred or Roth accounts, depending on income and plan structure.
• Charitable planning with appreciated securities, including donor-advised funds or other giving strategies that may reduce concentrated positions and support longterm philanthropic goals.
What Sets Old Vine Capital Apart
• Independent, fee-only Registered Investment Adviso
• Fiduciary advice with no commissions or proprietary products
• Custom tax-aware portfolios held at Charles Schwab
• Strategies for concentrated stock, business owners, real estate investors, and complex wealth
• Access to alternative strategies where appropriate for qualified clients
Tax-aware investing is not about avoiding tax at all costs. It is about making better decisions before gains are realized.
Reach out directly to schedule an
Youth Association
The Lake Travis Youth Association (LTYA) is preparing for another exciting season of youth sports across Lakeway and Bee Cave. Serving thousands of local children, this volunteer-driven nonprofit offers programs in baseball, softball, soccer, football, and cheerleading. With a focus on teamwork, sportsmanship, and skill development, LTYA helps young athletes build confidence and lasting friendships both on and off the field. Learn more and register at LTYA.org.
A m e r i c a n Va l u e s
C h r i s t i a n Et h i c s
B e s t Te s t S c o re s i n A u s t i n
7 : 1 S t u d e n t-Te a c h e r R a t i o
9 6 -A c re R a n c h
b l a ze s c h o o l . o rg ( 5 1 2 ) 5 9 2- 0 1 0 9
a d m i s s i o n s @ b l a ze s c h o o l . o rg
CITY LIST
We have such amazing, innovative business leaders in our community who are proud to serve you, our residents, with class and quality. We’ve compiled some of our top company picks for the services that might be on your mind this month in an effort to make your lives a little easier.
Best Doggy Daycare
Dogtopia www.dogtopia.com | 512.298.6817
Riley's Ranch Pet Resort www.rileysranchpetresort.com | 512.559.6257
JGO's Lucky Dog www.jgosluckydog.com | 512.610.3510
Just Four Paws www.justfourpawsinc.com | 512.402.0515
Camp Bow Wow www.campbowwow.com | 737.371.8508
Best Veterinary Practice
Bee Cave Veterinary Clinic www.bcvetclinic.com | 512.263.9029
Violet Crown Veterinary Specialists www.violetcrownvet.com | 512.284.2877
Five Star Veterinary Center www.5starvet.com | 512.886.1700
Want to suggest a monthly pick?
BeeVet Animal Hospital www.mybeevet.com | 512.263.9292
West Austin Pet Hospital www.westaustinpethospital.com | 512.910.8175
Best Preschool/Daycare
My Time Kids Academy Bee Cave www.mytimekids.com | 512.291.7730
Primrose School of Bee Cave www.primroseschools.com/schools/bee-cave | 512.263.0388
The Prep School of Bee Cave www.theprepschools.com | 512.790.7765
Learn and Laugh Preschool www.learnandlaughpreschool.com | 512.294.2520
The Goddard School of Lakeway www.goddardschool.com | 512.643.1222
Best Tutoring Center
Kastner Hill Learning www.kastnerhill.com | 512.961.4575
Huntington Learning Center www.huntingtonhelps.com | 512.301.7880
Mathnasium www.mathnasium.com | 512.837.6284
Austin Learning Center www.austinlearningcenter.com | 512.330.9007
Getprep Academy www.getprep.com | 512.501.3690
Best Play Space
Little Spark Studio www.thelittlesparkstudio.com | 737.747.7724
Urban Air Bee Cave www.urbanair.com/texas-bee-cave | 512.501.3902
Pikopye’s Town www.pikopyestown.com | 512.548.3392
High 5 Exchange www.high5exchange.com | 512.710.2695
Bricks & Minifigs Bee Cave www.bricksandminifigs.com/beecave-tx | 512.243.5042
Trade Pixels for Bricks This Summer
HOW BRICKS & MINIFIGS BEE CAVE INSPIRES CREATIVITY THROUGH HANDS-ON PLAY.
ARTICLE BY STEVEN VALENTIN
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF BRICKS & MINIFIGS BEE CAVE
Children’s playtime today is increasingly shaped by screens, streaming content, and digital entertainment. While technology has its place, growing minds still benefit from opportunities to create, experiment, and explore through hands-on play.
At Bricks & Minifigs Bee Cave, families can step away from screens and into a world of imagination. Part retail store, part interactive museum, and part community gathering space, the destination encourages creativity, problem-solving, and connection through LEGO® building.
We spoke with the team behind Bricks & Minifigs Bee Cave about the value of hands-on play and why families continue to embrace it.
“WHEN CHILDREN ARE GIVEN A BASEPLATE AND A BUCKET OF BRICKS, CREATIVITY TAKES OVER, HELPING BUILD CONFIDENCE, IMAGINATION, AND PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS.”
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BRING THE BRICKS & MINIFIGS CONCEPT TO BEE CAVE?
We love the Bee Cave and West Austin community and wanted to create a fun, inclusive space that families would enjoy visiting together. We also loved the opportunity to host LEGO®-themed birthday parties and events for the community.
WHAT IS THE EXPERIENCE LIKE FOR A FAMILY VISITING FOR THE FIRST TIME?
Most first-time guests are surprised by what they find. The store feels part museum and part retail space, with pre-built LEGO® displays, hundreds of minifigures, and large tables of bulk bricks ready to be explored.
HOW HAVE YOU SEEN HANDS-ON BUILDING IMPACT A CHILD’S CONFIDENCE?
We see confidence grow every day. During our “Come Build with Us Monday” events and birthday parties, children experiment, solve problems, and keep trying until they achieve their goal. Watching their excitement when a design finally works is incredibly rewarding.
WHAT DO CHILDREN DO IMMEDIATELY AFTER STEPPING INTO THE STORE?
They start exploring. Kids love searching for pieces, talking about their favorite LEGO® themes, and sharing ideas with other builders. It is exciting to watch their creativity take over.
WHAT ARE SOME MEMORABLE CREATIONS YOU’VE SEEN?
We’ve seen everything from custom race cars and detailed gardens to elaborate spaceships. One young builder spent hours creating a highly detailed sailing ship completely from scratch. Moments like that remind us why hands-on creativity remains so valuable.
Families, collectors, and LEGO® fans can visit Bricks & Minifigs Bee Cave at 11905 Bee Caves Rd, Suite 105, Bee Cave, TX 78738, or learn more at BricksandMinifigs.com/BeeCave-TX
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE WOOD PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF FRONTYARD BREWING
Community Starts at Frontyard
How one local destination is giving kids room to play while bringing neighbors together.
Some of the best memories are not made at scheduled events or carefully planned outings. They happen in driveways, front yards, and cul-de-sacs where neighbors pull up lawn chairs, children invent games, and conversations continue long after the sun begins to set.
That feeling inspired Frontyard Brewing in Spicewood.
Before opening the brewery, Chad Worner and his family often talked about the sense of community they remembered from neighborhood gatherings. Families spent time together outdoors, children played freely nearby, and friendships formed naturally through repeated interactions. Those memories ultimately shaped both the brewery’s name and its vision.
Frontyard Brewing has become much more than a place to enjoy craft beer. It has evolved into a community destination designed to bring people together and create opportunities for meaningful connection.
Walk through the property on a weekend and you’ll immediately notice the energy. Children race across open lawns, gather on the playscape, organize games, and make new friends within minutes. Nearby, parents enjoy lunch, sample a German pilsner or hazy IPA, and catch up with friends while still keeping an eye on the action.
The expansive outdoor space encourages something many children have fewer opportunities to experience today: unstructured play. Games emerge organically, teams form and dissolve, and kids learn how to negotiate rules, solve problems, and collaborate without constant direction from adults. Rather than following a schedule, children are free to explore, imagine, and create their own fun.
For families, that freedom creates a different pace. Instead of rushing between activities, visitors are encouraged to settle in, stay awhile, and enjoy time together. Conversations flow naturally, children remain engaged outdoors, and the afternoon unfolds without the pressure of a packed agenda.
That philosophy continues to guide Frontyard’s mission. Chad believes relationships are at the heart of the brewery’s identity, creating a place where regular guests are known by name and everyone feels welcome. It is an approach that helps transform first-time visitors into familiar faces and neighbors into friends.
In many ways, Frontyard is about more than what’s in the glass. It’s about the people gathered around it. The result is a space where community feels effortless and connection happens naturally.
“We believe beer is a social endeavor and although we all have our tastes, we still celebrate the times and memories we create together.”
The welcoming atmosphere extends to four-legged family members as well. Dogs are a common sight throughout the property, relaxing beneath picnic tables, exploring the grassy grounds, and often serving as instant conversation starters between visitors.
Frontyard’s guiding philosophy says it best: “Beer may be the invitation, but Frontyard is about so much more—it’s about connection, relaxation, and creating lasting memories.”
In a world increasingly shaped by screens, packed schedules, and digital interactions, Frontyard offers something refreshingly simple. Children stay outside a little longer. Neighbors become familiar faces. Conversations happen without an agenda.
It is not about recreating the past. It is about preserving the connections that make a community feel like home.
Create your own Frontyard memories at FrontyardBrewing.com
ARTICLE BY STEVEN VALENTIN PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF LAKE TRAVIS ORTHODONTICS
HEALTHY Smiles START EARLY
A proactive approach to healthy smiles, bites, and growth.
For many families, orthodontics is something associated with the teenage years, a milestone marked by braces and the anticipation of a straighter smile. At Lake Travis Orthodontics in Bee Cave, orthodontic care begins with a long-term view. It is not simply about appearance. It is about supporting a child's overall growth and development.
That perspective begins earlier than many parents realize.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. While that may sound surprisingly young, the goal is not necessarily to begin treatment. Instead, it gives orthodontists an opportunity to monitor how a child's jaw, bite, and permanent teeth are developing while there is still time to guide growth if needed.
In many cases, an early visit simply provides peace of mind. In others, it can help identify concerns before they become more complicated to address later.
That philosophy guides the care provided at Lake Travis Orthodontics. Dr. Fidel Del Toro, who founded the practice and continues to teach future orthodontists at UT Health San Antonio, brings more than 25 years of orthodontic experience and a thoughtful, conservative approach to treatment. Dr. Alberto Tostado carries that same philosophy forward, emphasizing personalized care and taking time to guide families through every stage of treatment.
Some of the benefits of early orthodontic guidance are not always immediately visible. The way a child's jaws grow can influence how teeth erupt and how comfortably they bite and chew. In some cases, orthodontic treatment may also support healthy oral function and address concerns related to jaw growth and bite development.
Lake Travis Orthodontics has built its boutique practice around making families feel informed and comfortable. Through modern technology, personalized consultations, and one-onone time with the doctor, parents can better understand their child's needs and treatment options.
As the school year approaches, parents may want to discuss concerns such as prolonged thumb-sucking, mouth breathing, or crowded teeth. Often, an early orthodontic visit simply confirms that everything is progressing exactly as it should.
For Lake Travis Orthodontics, the goal is simple: help children develop healthy, confident smiles while giving families the information they need to make informed decisions. Sometimes treatment is recommended. Other times, the greatest benefit is reassurance that a child's smile, bite, and development are right on track.
Learn how early orthodontic evaluations can support your child's smile at LakeTravis-Orthodontics.com o r call (512) 402-1501
“Dr. Tostado believes in a conservative approach to orthodontics, saving healthy teeth whenever he can.”
Alberto Tostado, DDS
Building Peace of Mind Together
Protecting your children, your loved ones, and the legacy your family is building.
Between school drop-offs, sports practices, family vacations, and packed calendars, estate planning is rarely something parents are excited to tackle. For many West Austin families, it gets pushed aside as a task for “someday.”
Dana Rieder, estate planning attorney and founder of Rieder Law, PC in Bee Cave, is helping families rethink that mindset. Rather than viewing estate planning as a collection of legal documents, she sees it as one of the most important ways parents can protect the people they love and prepare for the future with confidence.
One common misconception is that a close relative will automatically receive custody of minor children if something unexpected happens. In reality, without proper legal planning, a Texas court oversees that decision. Through a Kids Protection Plan®, Rieder Law, PC helps parents document their wishes and create a clear roadmap for their family’s future.
Rieder Law, PC believes estate planning should reflect the unique needs of every family. Rather than relying on one-size-fits-all templates, the firm creates personalized plans tailored to each client’s goals and circumstances.
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE WOOD
The process begins with a Family Wealth Planning Session, where Dana takes the time to understand each family’s priorities, concerns, and vision for the future. Through the firm’s PFL FamilyCare Program (“FCP”), plans can be reviewed and updated as children grow, assets change, and life unfolds.
Pet owners may also wish to consider how their beloved companions would be cared for in the future. Estate planning can provide an opportunity to document those wishes alongside other important family planning decisions.
At its heart, Rieder Law, PC’s approach goes beyond protecting assets. It is about protecting the people, values, and legacy that matter most to your family.
Discover more on RiederLaw.com or call (512) 569-0009.
Dana Rieder of Rieder Law, PC
Family Fun, Your Way
ACTIVITIES FOR EVERY AGE, ALL UNDER ONE ROOF.
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE WOOD
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF HIGH 5 EXCHANGE
There comes a point in family life when the neighborhood playground loses its appeal. The trampoline park suddenly feels too young, and movie nights can become a negotiation when younger siblings, teenagers, and parents all want something different. Kids are old enough to crave independence but still young enough to enjoy spending time together.
That is where High 5 Exchange has found its sweet spot.
Located at 1502 Ranch Rd. 620 S. in Lakeway, the 47,000-square-foot entertainment destination brings together bowling, laser tag, arcade games, virtual reality experiences, karaoke, pool tables, and axe throwing under one roof. Instead of centering the experience around a single attraction, High 5 Exchange gives families options, making it easy for everyone to find something they enjoy.
Unlike a traditional bowling alley or arcade, guests are not expected to stay in one place all evening. Teenagers can gravitate toward laser tag, virtual reality, or the arcade floor while younger siblings bounce between games and prize counters. Adults looking for a little friendly competition can reserve one of the venue’s axe-throwing lanes. Families often reconnect over bowling, karaoke, or a shared meal before heading off to their next activity.
Bowling remains one of the few activities that comfortably spans generations, and High 5 leans into that familiarity with modern bowling lanes equipped with automatic scoring. The lanes serve as a gathering point where grandparents, parents, and children can come together between rounds of laser tag and arcade challenges.
That flexibility becomes especially valuable during Austin’s hottest months. When triple-digit temperatures
make outdoor plans less appealing, indoor entertainment spaces become destinations for birthdays, family outings, and end-of-summer celebrations.
High 5 has also become a popular choice for birthday parties. Families can choose from private and semi-private event spaces while a dedicated events team handles the details. Food options range from shareable appetizers and pizzas to burgers, entrees, and event catering packages.
What sets High 5 Exchange apart is how it reflects the changing expectations families have for entertainment. Parents no longer want to simply sit on the sidelines while their children play. The venue’s full-service scratch kitchen and bar menu allow adults to enjoy the experience as much as the kids.
That does not mean every family member suddenly wants to bowl together or spend hours competing in laser tag. The appeal may lie in the freedom to pursue different interests while remaining under the same roof. Parents can enjoy appetizers and conversation, teenagers can challenge friends to a game of laser tag, and younger siblings can chase tickets in the arcade before regrouping for dinner or dessert.
As summer gives way to homework, sports practices, and packed calendars, opportunities for unstructured family time become harder to find. High 5 gives families the chance to spend time together on their own terms, proving that family fun does not have to look the same for everyone.
Plan your next family outing at BowlHighFive.com/ Lakeway, or visit 1502 Ranch Rd. 620 S. in Lakeway.
“Born From One Idea: Let’s make memories, not work. It’s about creating a space where pure, unadulterated family-joy happens without you having to clean up the aftermath.”
COMFORT OF A WAGGING TAIL
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE WOOD
Walk into a hospital, school, rehabilitation center, or senior living community in Central Texas and you may find a therapy dog quietly brightening someone’s day. Since 2004, Divine Canines has connected trained dog-and-handler teams with children and adults across the region, providing free therapy dog visits that offer comfort, support, and meaningful connection while promoting emotional and physical wellness.
THE COMFORT OF A THERAPY DOG
For children and adults alike, spending time with a therapy dog can bring comfort during stressful or challenging moments. Whether it’s a gentle greeting, a wagging tail, or simply sitting quietly together, these interactions can ease stress, lift spirits, and provide a welcome sense of calm when it’s needed most.
BUILDING CONFIDENCE THROUGH READING
One of the organization’s best-known programs is Barking Book Buddies. Children read aloud to a therapy dog in a relaxed, encouraging environment. The dogs do not correct mistakes or rush the process. They simply listen. For many children, reading becomes more enjoyable instead of stressful, helping build confidence while encouraging a lifelong love of reading.
THE MAKING OF A THERAPY TEAM
Behind every successful visit is dedicated training and preparation. Divine Canines carefully trains both dogs and handlers to work safely and confidently in hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, and community facilities. The organization welcomes dogs of all breeds and sizes, focusing on temperament, training, and the bond between
Austin therapy dogs bring comfort, connection, and encouragement to children facing challenges.
each dog and handler rather than breed alone. Their philosophy is rooted in positive reinforcement, helping dogs develop the confidence and skills needed for therapy work.
PREPARING FOR REAL-WORLD VISITS
Before entering Divine Canines’ five-week therapy dog training program, each dog must first earn its American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen certification. Once accepted, teams are introduced to many of the sights, sounds, and experiences they may encounter during visits.
Dogs learn to remain calm around wheelchairs, walkers, canes, medical equipment, loud noises, and unexpected movement. Handlers practice navigating realworld situations while strengthening communication with their dogs. Active teams also participate in ongoing evaluations and site visits throughout the year.
SERVING THE COMMUNITY
Divine Canines partners with hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, senior living communities, and other organizations throughout Central Texas to provide regular therapy dog visits. Through the dedication of its volunteers and therapy
dog teams, the organization brings comfort, encouragement, and companionship to people throughout Central Texas.
For families inspired by the mission, there are many ways to get involved. Community members can volunteer, support fundraising events like Barks for Beers, or explore therapy dog training with their own dog.
As Divine Canines puts it, “When life gets hard, everyone deserves the love, comfort, and motivation of a dog.” One visit at a time, Divine Canines continues to bring comfort, connection, and encouragement to people throughout Central Texas.
Discover how you can support the mission at DivineCanines.org
How You Can Volunteer
• Volunteers and their dogs help provide free therapy visits across Central Texas.
• Dogs must earn AKC Canine Good Citizen certification before completing Divine Canines’ five-week training program.
• Active teams typically visit twice a month.
• Volunteer opportunities are available at DivineCanines.org
Courtesy of Divine Canines
Zuzu, a therapy dog with Divine Canines. Photo courtesy of Divine Canines.
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE WOOD | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF MONICA REYES
Back-to-school styles curated by Harry Styles, the pup star of Anderson Parker.
CLASSROOM READY
Meet Harry Styles, Anderson Parker’s four-legged style director. He’s sniffed out the looks, approved the backpacks, and insists everyone starts the school year looking their best.
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.
HAIR & MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE
START THE School Year ON A High Note
Music lessons help students build confidence, focus, creativity, and connection before school begins.
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE WOOD PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF SKY ZITO MUSIC
As summer winds down and backpacks come out for a new school year, many parents look for activities that help their children grow with confidence and creativity. For Austin multi-instrumentalist Sky Zito, the answer is simple: music.
“I honestly play music because it’s my favorite thing in the world,” Sky says. “I’m just kind of a more live-in-the-moment type of person.”
That philosophy is the foundation of Sky Zito Music. Rather than treating lessons as another obligation, Sky helps students discover the joy of learning, creating, and expressing themselves through music.
A performer, composer, and multi-instrumentalist who studied through Berklee College of Music, Sky has spent more than 20 years teaching, recording, and performing. He offers instruction in guitar, bass, drums, vocals, songwriting, band coaching, and studio production, with lessons tailored to each student’s interests and goals.
Students come to Sky Zito Music for many different reasons. Some hope to perform on stage, while others simply want to play their favorite songs. Along the way, they build patience, confidence, listening skills, teamwork, and communication while enjoying a creative outlet away from screens.
“At the minimum, learning an instrument at any level will develop a deeper appreciation for listening to music,” he says.
Music gives students an opportunity to grow creatively and personally while building confidence and a lifelong appreciation for the art.
Interested families can visit SkyZitoMusic.com, email SkyZitoStudio@gmail.com, or call (512) 568-8991 to schedule a trial lesson.
Sky Zito, Performer, Composer & Music Educator
