Tomorrow I have my first conference that I am Program Assistant. That is normally my job title, but I do very different work than the two other Program Assistants in my department. Due to poor scheduling in our department by management, the two other PA's have a crazy conference schedule - there are 3 Program Managers that do conferences, but only two PA's to support them. Not really realizing until the middle of August that they were in trouble, they asked me to help out. All while doing my regular job responsibilities. It's been a fun couple of months to say the least. I am at the point where I am just trying to do everything that I can, to the best of my ability. I am not worrying about things that I can't control. But I know that I will be tired after the next couple of days, so I thought I should get this blog post out now.
Earlier this week, Uncas worked from home on Tuesday. Here is a picture of his "home office" set-up and his assistant.
I have also been trying to teach Sammy to climb our stairs. I know they must seem very steep and daunting to him. So far, he can only make it up a couple of steps and that's with some help (a red pillow at the bottom step).
Yesterday it was a beautiful day in the Twin Cities. Sunny, warm, cool breeze - a perfect fall day. We decided to take Sammy for a long walk at a nearby park reserve. As you can see, Sammy was not happy about it at all:
Uncas took this picture while we were walking. Most of the leaves haven't started turning yet, but it was still really pretty and peaceful.
We ran across a tiny, tiny garter snake.
Sammy sitting for me.
Me and my baby!
I think he is look for a treat or something here.
My two cuties!
Uncas and I both saw this tree at the same time. We thought it looked so perfect!
We figured that we walked/hiked for about 4 miles. Sammy was pretty tired out, but he had a great time. We picked the right day to go, because today is cool and rainy. Tonight I have plans to see Kathy Griffin live. She is a comedian who I find very, very funny. I am going with Josh and Jaron, so it should be fun.
his is a picture from from last night. Uncas and I thought he looked so cute sleeping on his back on my lap!
This past weekend Uncas and I flew to Seattle to visit my best friend Lisa and her husband Brian and their adorable, cute, and sweet baby Caiden (who happens to be my godson!) We had such a wonderful time. We were able to see some sights, but also spend plenty of time just hanging out and playing lots of fun games! Above we are standing at the market downtown (watch out for the flying fish!) Below Lisa and I (and Caiden tagging along) went to a couple of wineries for some tasting. The guys, joined by L & B's friend Rob went to a brewery tour.
Here is a cute picture of Caiden (I took lots and lots of him) in his new "big boy" car seat! I think he likes it!
Uncas chillin' with his new buddy!
Yet another picture of the two cuties! Caiden and Uncas became fast friends. It was really very cute.
A picture of their picnic table set up:
The boat. I like this picture a lot - it came out very clear.
Lake Toohey
I had a busy weekend with Sammy. I cleaned, took Sammy on lots of walks, did a lot of baking, hung out with Josh, cleaned up the flower beds and pots outside. Oh - I also did quite a bit of shopping. 
A cute picture of the man of my dreams!
On to the rest of the weekend. Little Saffron had her first party! Because many of our family live in IL, my mom thought it would be fun to have a "Meet Saffron" party. Derek and Jeanna loved the idea and decided to make it an open house and they invited their friends as well as family. Little Saffron was the cutest little guest of honor and so very good. I tried to get as many pictures as possible of people holding her. You can see my pictures from the day here. My mom also took some pictures. You can see them here. You will notice in my mom's picture, another baby at the party. That was my brother's co-worker's son. He was born the same day, an hour after Saffron. He was almost 3 lbs bigger than her at birth. They were really cute together! Sammy of course had a blast hanging out with his cousins Tina and Snoopy. He ran and played all day long. He is quite the tired puppy! He also couldn't get enough of little Saffron, he wanted to lick her legs, fingers, cheeks, nose, etc. He got so excited whenever he saw her! Here is a picture of happy baby Saffron.
And finally - a big huge thank you to my bestest friend Lisa! I made cupcakes for the party and the frosting recipe that I tried to use came out terrible! I called her frantically for the frosting recipe that she uses (from her sister Karla) and the results were amazing!
I have also been trying to teach Sammy to climb our stairs. I know they must seem very steep and daunting to him. So far, he can only make it up a couple of steps and that's with some help (a red pillow at the bottom step). 
Yesterday it was a beautiful day in the Twin Cities. Sunny, warm, cool breeze - a perfect fall day. We decided to take Sammy for a long walk at a nearby park reserve. As you can see, Sammy was not happy about it at all:
Uncas took this picture while we were walking. Most of the leaves haven't started turning yet, but it was still really pretty and peaceful.
We ran across a tiny, tiny garter snake.
My two cuties!
We figured that we walked/hiked for about 4 miles. Sammy was pretty tired out, but he had a great time. We picked the right day to go, because today is cool and rainy. Tonight I have plans to see Kathy Griffin live. She is a comedian who I find very, very funny. I am going with Josh and Jaron, so it should be fun.
