Outside the DMV with his new drivers license

The big news this week is that Jude passed his driving test and is now a Colorado driver’s license holder. He went to the DMV with Marcy on Wednesday and came out with a temporary license. He had his first solo drive on Friday night to pick up dinner and then on Saturday, he drove to his soccer practice. He is enjoying his newfound freedom.

The other big news is that Anna and Marcy flew to Dallas on Thursday for the big NCA national championships. Anna and the team had been working hard for the last month preparing for the big event. That is an understatement, this event had 26,000 athletes from all over the world.

With some of the team in our big rental car

After winning their last two events they had a lot of confidence going in but the competition in Dallas was the best they had ever encountered and they finished in 10th place. They were disappointed but determined to do better next time.

The Cool Cats team (Anna is third from the center on the left)

Anna also got to meet one of her idols: Gabby Butler. She is who many people consider to be the best cheerleader in the world and she was in Dallas for the big competition.

Anna meeting Gabby Butler for the first time

It was a heck of an experience and as Marcy is learning about cheer competitions, there was little downtime to hang out at the hotel or see the city. They did get to have a couple of meals outside of the event. And with their hotel in walking distance of the event venue, they were able to see a little bit of historic downtown Dallas

Marcy and Anna out and about in Dallas

Meanwhile back at home we were dealing with a sick dog. Actually, Jude was dealing with it. While Marcy and Anna flew to Dallas early Thursday morning, I was in NYC and not arriving back until late Thursday night. Olive had a bad day. She was feeling ill and pooped and threw up all over the place. Jude was on a delayed start because of the snowstorm and had to clean it all up himself. Then when he arrived home from school there was more cleaning up to do. I took her to the vet on Friday and there was nothing major wrong with her. And she is doing fine now.

Jude looking after a very sick little dog