The last few weeks (well, maybe months) have been very hectic as a whole. Between our work and various extracurricular activities, Dana and I have been running mad. Thankfully, this weekend provided a well needed break (and an extra hour sleep) for us to rest and relax.

That’s not to say we didn’t do anything. Actually, there was quite a bit on our plate this weekend, but all were unscheduled activities (save swim class on Saturday). Friday we went to the bar for the Halloween party, which was a good time, although Dana and I were out way past our bedtime.

After swimming Deuce took his requisite post-swim nap. An installer came to put up our garage door opener in the early afternoon. I’m conviced I could have done it, but it probably would have taken me all day. This guy took about an hour. After that, we went out and bought Deuce some new clothes, including the outfit for his Christmas picture.

Yesterday we went to the mall to get a Christmas picture taken. I have to say he was exceptionally well behaved and took some very nice pictures. While we were waiting for the photos, we just hung around the mall with the little one.

So our weekend was relaxing and we got some things accomplished… And we may have jumped the gun a bit on our Christmas pictures, but as busy as they were yesterday, I’d hate to see what they are like closer to Christmas.

So, Dana and I are going to a Halloween party at the bar with Missa and Kevin. Being a Halloween party, we have to dress up, but neither one of us wanted to spend tons of money on a costume we’ll wear once.

So Missa and Dana came up with the idea of going as salt and pepper shakers. I’m salt. I don’t know if this means I’m plain and boring, or just a good additive to most foods? Dana’s pepper, which is fitting and shouldn’t need much explaination.

So how do you dress up as salt? Easy. A pair of shiny Adidas pants, a white shirt, and a tin foil hat…

And we could sing “Salt and Pepper’s here,” but that’s a little to 90’s for me…

Sammie performed a bit of a magic trick last night. I took her for her vaccination yesterday at around 6 pm. I got home about 6:30 and we sat down to eat. Just as we were finishing up, the dog was scratching at Dana’s leg. She looked down to see Sammie’s eyes and mouth completely swollen. The vet had said she could have that reaction and that it needs treated. So we called them and they told us to come down and she’d give her a shot. The one vet tech said she looked like a Sharpei, and commented on what a neat, but slightly scary, Halloween trick that was.

So we spent the better portion of last evening administering Benedryl to the puppy. I full expected to wake up to a puff-faced dog, but she’s looking like she’s back to normal.

What I did not expect was to see snow on the ground this morning. It was a “wintry mix” at our house, but as sit here at work it’s snowing at a decent rate. I guess that’s the Nor’easter at work.

You know, in the B.C. and B.D. era (Before Children, Before Dog), if Dana or I were sick, we’d quietly go home, lay on the couch, and proceed to do absolutely nothing until we felt better.

Unfortunately, that has changed. Deuce was sick with a cold this week, and while he seems to be doing fine now, I believe I may have contracted whatever it is that he had. I’m hoping it goes away with some rest this evening, but, as it were, there’s a kid and a dog at home who need some parental supervision (at this point, the dog more than Deuce) and only two available parental units. So despite my desire to run home and crash, I know I’ll be babysitting or dogsitting until at least 7:30. If I’m not completely drained by then, I’d like to get a round of Tiger Woods 2006 in before bed… I’m completely entralled with that game, and it’s due back tomorrow… I may have to break down and buy it.

As of late it’s been rather hectic around here. I’m frantically trying to finish some side projects, Dana’s busy meeting quotas at work, and the both of us are busy trying to house break the dog, take care of Deuce, and try to make sure the house doesn’t become a complete and total disaster.

Well, that last one slipped a bit until Dana cleaned up on Sunday morning. Deuce had gotten up a bit early on Sunday and was a little cranky. So he and I went upstairs and laid on mine and Dana’s bed, in the hopes that he’d fall asleep fast. About a half hour later he decided to fall asleep, and ended up taking about an hour nap. As did I, which was nice. But in that time, Dana picked up the great room and ran the vacuum and basically straighted up the house a bit… Now I feel like a bum.

The weekend was pretty fun. Deuce went swimming again on Saturday, and he is getting used to the pool. He’s no shark yet, but he’ll get there. After that, the three of us went with Grandma A and Uncle D. to Ligonier Days, a craft show/fesitval type event in Ligonier, PA. It was nice, although it was super crowded. Then we went to Red Robin for dinner.

Sunday we took Sam Adams to meet Yingling. It went as well as it could, although there was some barking and an occasional nip.

And then everyone got sick… I seem to have a cold or allergies kicking up, Dana is stuffy, and Deuce has a touch of the fever. He seemed to be better (and cooler) this morning, but we’ll have to play that one by ear.