Report Cards

Today was report card day for the kids, and I just wanted to share how proud I am of my very smart children.  Chloe made all A's and Chris made mostly A's and one B.  I'm very proud of both of them and glad that they're doing so well and enjoying school.  Chloe's reading level has just been climbing like crazy.  She started the year at a very beginner level, and now she's reading chapter books and getting very close to catching up with Chris.  He also still loves to read and is doing so well.  I'm mostly impressed with his writing skills, though.  He has had two or three papers chosen by his teacher to share with the other students as an example.  Being a military family, moving several times, homeschooling for a year, all of these things have made me worry that the kids might end up having trouble learning or adjusting in school.  So I'm just very glad to see these little things that show me that they are doing well. 

studying hard  :)

Capitol Visit

We ended up with a little time and money on our hands this weekend, so we decided to take a little field trip.  We went to Austin, TX and visited the Capitol building and the Texas State History Museum.  We also managed to enjoy a nice lunch with my brother.  :)  Unfortunately, I forgot to take any pictures while we were hanging out with Eric, and photography wasn't allowed in the museum.  Here are a few pictures, though, from the Capitol building.  It was a really fun trip, and I think the kids learned a little so that's an added bonus.  :) 

Capitol Building

view of the star from the 1st floor

close-up of the star

House of Representatives

Senate

cool lights in the Senate chambers

Supreme Court

very cool door hinges  :)

we're up high!

it took me forever to catch this shot with no people in the way!  :)

lots of confederacy statues around the Capitol

Alamo statue

and, of course, there was a political demonstration going on while we were there

Volunteer Firefighter statue

another confederacy statue

cowboy statue

Tejano statue

the rest of the Tejano statue

cute little cowgirl  :)

Yee-haw!

these were at the Capitol Visitor's Center museum

looking over at the Goddess of Liberty on top of the Capitol

and, Chloe as the Goddess of Liberty  :)

Hello!

Welcome to the Gilliland Family blog!  

 There's not a lot to post about just yet, but I'm really looking forward to the changes that our family will be making soon.  I know it might not be such a big deal to all of you, but for us (me especially) getting rid of cable television and facebook are really big changes!  I'm going to try to spend a lot less time on the computer in general, but I will do my best to update this blog at least once a week.  And I'll still be checking e-mails so please keep in touch!  Thanks so much for all of your support and encouragement!