“It’s a bummer that it went by so fast, but I’m just so happy to see them so happy.”
With this line, Jordan perfectly summed up Casey and Mikey’s trip back to the East Coast.
Whenever my little sister and her boyfriend visit, there’s always extra pep in the Janiec family step. The competitions tend to get a little fiercer as Dad delivered Mikey the long anticipated but quickly humbling smackdown on the tennis court. The laughter gets a little louder as Casey always dishes that timely and witty comment that makes us fall out of our chairs. The drinks get a little stronger because how else do you celebrate this special occasion? The babies get a little cuter as Charlie and Leila have a blast walking and squawking around with their Aunt Kiki and “Uncle” Mikey. And I guess this time Mikey proved that the water gets a little warmer too as he decided to go for a Mid-October swim in the pond. The bottom line: it doesn’t get much better than when they visit.
However, before there was all this pep in the step, I’ll admit I was skeptical. I’ll admit that the wannabe-Cristiano Ronaldo Instagram account with more than 2000 followers that began to DM my little sister caused me to hesitate. And as they started dating, I’ll admit that their matching shoes and outfits made me pause. Finally, when they became serious, I’ll admit that part of me was a little worried with Casey moving out to Santa Monica.
But those doubts are long gone. Seeing them grow as a couple over the past few years, it’s hard not to admire their sense of adventure, their ability to bring out the best in each other, and their overall unity as a partnership.
I see the trips to Rainbow Mountain or Yosemite or Rocky Mountain National Park or their upcoming trip to Australia. I see the happy hours in Malibu, parties at Coachella, and the volleyball or Spikeball games by Venice Beach. I see them crushing the wedding scene across the country. I see them living their best life and seizing each day. I see them never sitting still or getting bored, but rather taking in and taking on the best parts of the world together.
I see them bring out the best in each other. I see them challenge each other to wake up at 4:30 am and work out. I see them continue to reach new levels of success in their jobs. I see them always finding ways to get healthier, work harder, think broader, and have more fun. I see them challenge each other to overcome their individual stubborn tendencies and make decisions that they would not often choose on their own.
Finally, I see their commitment to each other as a unit. I see the ridiculous matching outfits and their coordinated dances and their general attitude towards each other. I see them always put each other first no matter what.
So yes, Mikey’s Instagram account seemed questionable, but I now turn to them for social media advice. Their coordinated outfits were corny until my own wife made me wear matching Christmas jammies and 4th of July shirts. The California move seemed too far until Jordan and I realized we now have a great excuse to travel to a fun place.
Casey’s always been the voice of reason in the family, so we knew to trust her judgment all along. As Jordo said, although I miss them, it just makes me so happy seeing them so happy. Thanks for coming guys. I can’t wait until Christmas!
The Janiec Reflection 