The Thome family arrived in Beach Cliff over the Fourth of July weekend, and they didn't waste much time settling in. Just one month later, they were hosting Jude's third birthday party in their new backyard.

The move was a bit unexpected. Ann had grown up in West Park and had spent most of her life there, while Jack grew up in Chagrin Falls. The two had always admired Beach Cliff for its location and walkability, especially its proximity to the lake, parks, shops and restaurants. Still, living here was something they never really thought would be their reality.

That changed when they found out they were expecting their third child and decided to start looking for what they hoped would be their forever home. After nearly deciding to put the search on hold, they found the house.

They saw the listing, toured it, and within a day or two, it was theirs.

“It truly felt meant to be!”

Their family now includes Jude, 3, Mae, 1, and another baby on the way, due December 15. At home, there is also Atlas, their five-year-old Blue Heeler. These days, Atlas is more of a homebody, although he still loves running around the backyard and getting plenty of time on the couch with the family.

Jude is currently fascinated by all things Disney, dinosaurs, Spider-Man and trains. His parents describe him as smart, creative and sensitive, and say he loves making new friends. Mae is already trying to keep up with her big brother. She's fearless, silly and, according to her parents, quite the firecracker.

The Thomes also have plenty in common when it comes to their work and their involvement with schools. Jack graduated from Marietta College in 2017, where he played basketball and majored in marketing. He is now an account executive at CHI Corporation, a local data solutions provider. Ann graduated from Bowling Green State University in 2017 with a degree in education and later earned her law degree from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law in 2021. She currently works as a sixth- through eighth-grade intervention specialist in the Orange City School District.

Being involved in schools and youth activities has always been important to both of them. Jack has coached, while Ann has coached and taught, and they are looking forward to becoming involved with Rocky River schools as their children get older.

They are especially excited about eventually being part of the Rocky River School District, from volunteering and supporting school activities to attending high school games and showing some school spirit.

They got an early glimpse of that feeling during their first week back to school.

“We could just faintly hear the high school marching band practicing in the morning,” they said. “It made us both excited to be part of such a tight-knit community!”

One of the things they loved about Beach Cliff before moving here was the ability to walk to places they already enjoyed. Beardens, Tommy's, Market and Mitchell's were longtime favorites, and now they can get to some of them on foot. Since moving in, Lake Road Market and Wild Flour have also become regular stops.

But some of their favorite neighborhood memories so far haven't involved going anywhere at all.

This summer, the family made frequent trips to the beach, loading everyone into the wagon and heading down to the water. Sometimes they were out the door shortly after sunrise, thanks to two young children who have no interest in sleeping in.

“Watching the kids play in the sand, sometimes still in pajamas, is the best.”

Then there was Jude's birthday party, which came just a month after moving in. The family had plenty of projects they wanted to finish around the house before guests arrived, and they managed to check most of them off the list.

It was the first party in what they hope will be a home filled with many more.

Hosting comes naturally to the Thomes. They are always up for an impromptu backyard playdate or a reason to get family and friends together. Birthdays, Christmas, Valentine's Day parties for the kids, or really any excuse to celebrate will do.

They haven't had a chance to get involved in many Beach Cliff activities yet, but they are looking forward to it. After years of being active in their previous communities, particularly through schools and youth activities, they are excited to meet more neighbors and find their place here.

For now, they are enjoying the little things: beach mornings, backyard gatherings, walks to their favorite spots and watching their kids discover their new neighborhood.

And with another baby arriving in December, there will certainly be no shortage of memorable moments ahead.