Four months ago, we found ourselves right back where we started — Venice, Florida.
Nine months earlier, we had packed up and left, thinking Orlando would be our fresh start. We imagined building new routines, finding our rhythm as a family of five, and setting down roots. But life, as always, had other plans.
Coming back to Venice felt surreal. On one hand, so familiar — the same streets, the same sunsets, the same Gulf breeze that feels like home. And yet, everything feels new. A new rhythm. A new appreciation for this town. A new flow we never would’ve discovered without leaving for a while.
The Gift of Healing
Living under one roof again with my newly retired parents has been unexpectedly healing. Our families are doing better together than ever before. There’s laughter in the house again, shared meals, and the gift of two generations learning how to thrive side by side.
The Kids
This season has been especially rich for our kids.
• Mason officially started homeschooling here — and I have to say, his schedule is the coolest I’ve ever seen. Karate. Acting class. Hip Hop dance. Christian Boy Scouts. A homeschool co-op on a farm. Even sailing lessons. It feels like his education is less about textbooks and more about building a life.
• Billie is finishing high school this December and already taking steps toward her next chapter. She’ll start college classes soon and is preparing for the adventure of studying in Belgium next year. Watching her step into her independence has been bittersweet and beautiful.
• Nakoa, at 2½, is bursting with personality. He wants to be just like Mason but already has this hilarious, unique spirit of his own. He keeps us laughing every single day.
Our Work & Daily Flow
Kim has been delivering Amazon packages, bringing steady income while we continue building our business. It’s not glamorous, but it’s steady — and right now, steady is a blessing.
As for me? I’m doing what I always do — a little bit of everything. Partnering with brands, creating content, managing social media for local businesses… and now, stepping into an unexpected role as Hospitality Coordinator and Property Manager with Timberline Glamping. (Yes, life is full of surprises!)
A Different Kind of Busy
In Orlando, we were together constantly, sometimes to the point of friction. Here, we don’t see each other as much — our schedules pull us in different directions. And yet, there’s a sweetness in this season. We’ve had many “versions” of our family in different places and different countries. This one feels like we’re learning to enjoy and thrive in the flow we’ve been given.
Looking Ahead
It’s been a whirlwind, yes. But one full of growth, healing, and unexpected gifts. Venice may not be our final destination — but right now, it’s where we’re meant to be.
Sometimes you have to circle back, to find what was waiting for you all along.
-Cheyanne and the rest of the Cleyman Clan
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