Leo and Friends (April 5, 2026)
Life is truly amazing. Today I’m overflowing with gratitude. There’s something magical about seeing the world through the eyes of a baby. The raw, pure, authentic looks given. Being fully present and completely in the moment. With a baby, there is only NOW. I’ve always learned so much from my children and I can see how appealing being a grandfather would be.
Michele, Anne-Marie, Leo & Elena enjoying dinner in Tokyo together
Michele holding Leo as we “pass him around” bringing joy to all
Elena would make an incredible grandmother … just saying
Leo is checking out my beard … he prefers his dads, but mine is okay
Leo and mom. Exactly where Leo feels most calm and peaceful.
Playing his favorite game, Leo bounces on dad’s lap
This was such an incredible evening together and I have Will to thank for the serendipity that played out. Originally, Elena, Violet and I all visited Japan back in October, but when Will found out how much fun we had, he joined our trip and wanted to visit both Thailand and Japan. When I told Anne-Marie we were heading back there, she mentioned that she was planning her trip and that Michele would also be heading this way.
Even then, I wasn’t sure all three schedules would align, but I booked my Airbnbs and shared all the information as soon as I had my schedule locked down. Then President Trump bombed Iran and flights through the middle east were cancelled. Luckily, Anne-Marie, Sean and Leo were able to go the other way (through Mendocino, California about 2 hours north of where I grew up in Santa Rosa).
The point being that a number of things needed to fall into place to have all three families sitting at the table together in Tokyo. We’re from New York, Anne-Marie’s family is from Greystones, Ireland, and Michele’s family is from Peoria, Illinois. The fact that we were all in Tokyo at the same time (and able to meet up) is incredible.
Scott, Sean, Leo and Anne-Marie as Sean tells a travel story
What an incredible evening. The last time I saw Anne-Marie and Sean, I stayed in their home (see related post about 260 posts ago). Pregnant, Anne-Marie still managed to meet me at the Dublin airport and show me around Dublin and then her home town of Greystones with husband Sean (see related post). Together, we walked many, many miles together as I had the opportunity to explore Ireland.
It’s fitting that we have this opportunity to meet up 9 months into my travels (with 3 months remaining). I thought I was a globe trotter, but Leo has already been on 5 continents and he’s not even a year old! Sure, as Will and Violet point out, “Dad, that doesn’t COUNT!!!” Will was less than a year old when Elena and I took him to Hawaii for our vacation. We had fun, but of course Will remembers none of it.
Still, I think it’s amazing when the parents are able to travel with their child. Leo isn’t the least bit fussy despite all the timezone changes. That’s partly because he just sleeps when he’s tired and his feet never hit the ground (as evidence of each of us holding him).
Life is awesome. Seeing life through the eyes of an infant does something powerful inside of me. I can’t explain it entirely, but there’s a feeling that everything is right in the world. I wasn’t the only one who experienced this. After dinner, Elena took Leo for a short walk in the mall near the restaurant and many people came up to say hello … to Leo. There’s something magical about small children and the incredible positive impact they have on those around them.
I left the dinner feeling full recharged and energized. Yes, I LOVED seeing my friends. And having an opportunity to meet Leo was really special. I’m deeply grateful for this connection.
