In February, Owen and Sue travelled to the U.S. for a whirlwind week.  The highlight was surprising Sue's Dad at Philadelphia Airport (below), who had NO IDEA that we were coming back for his 75th birthday!  He was waiting at baggage claim for Sue's sister Hannah, who he knew was arriving from Montana.  While he was waiting, Sue went up and asked him if he would mind holding her baby while she got her luggage from the carousel.  He looked directly at her, said, "no problem."  Sue was sure he knew already!  And then... his knees buckled... he yelled, "Sue?" and my sister in the background yelled, "grab the baby!"  It was a great reunion.  Our friend Mami from our neighborhood in Sendai came with us -- she was a wonderful help, and became really attached to Sue's family, and especially also to Zoe, pictured at the bottom.

At a fun Ethiopian restaurant Sue's sister Beth took us to in downtown Philly

Sue and Mami enjoyed a cream donut like only L & M Bakery can make 'em!

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Our friend Mark Swanson...

The Weigels enjoyed time with Owen, as well as trying some Japanese mochi (above)

Uncle Anthony got the best smile at of him...this was after MANY hours of plane travel.

Yes, that really is spit up that you see.  This is truly an action shot.

Aunt Kathy Sheetz...

Auntie Beth

GiGiBill (Grandpop)

A snuggly nap

The Fleming-Mullins, minus mom...

Krissi and Maggi Wang watch Owen, wondering what to think about this baby thing.

We had a suprising chance to meet Grandpa Takamoto and Uncle Neal in Pasadena!

Some friends in LA who came to meet Owen:  the Wu girls, Reiko, and Jana