Alicia Mae

Alicia's Senior Prom gown 2011

     Alicia graduated high school in May, and is the last of our children to enjoy all the experiences they have all had in hs.  Here she is looking beautiful for Prom, and it has been more than difficult to get through this year emotionally for me.  However, I've loved watching my girls grow into the young ladies they are.  Alicia is just a special and important part of our family.  She is so loving and giving of herself in many many ways.

     She spent the summer working as a life guard for Shawnee public pool.  How funny to  see her follow in her daddy's footsteps in some ways since Michael was also a lifeguard in high school and after.

      Her summer was just beginning as she and sister Alex spent most of it together.

Alicia, Kristopher Mahan, and Alex go to a KC Chiefs game

     Kristopher Mahan was actually a classmate of Amanda's but became such a close member of our family in many ways.  Alicia sure looks up to Kris like a brother and I respect and trust him whenever he is on home visits from the marines.  At the end of the summer, he was able to come home for a visit and took the girls to a Chiefs game...here they are having a blast.

   

Parasailing in Ocean City, Maryland 2011

     

     The girls spent Labor day weekend in Ocean City with my brother Brian and his wife Kathleen.     Of course they had a wonderful time since B and K are so good to all of my children and in some ways spoil the girls in ways I feel blessed to have such family members who have taken an interest in my family.

Taylor Swift concert, September 2011

     Our graduation gift to Alicia was two Taylor Swift concert tickets, Alicia's favorite music artist of all time.  She was in tears when we gave her the surprise of her life and seeing Taylor in concert was the icing on the cake in this great year.

      Soon after a fun filled summer, Alicia began working for a nearby Animal Clinic.  While she isn't making much money, she is getting great experience working with animals and learning new techniques in clinic care of cats and dogs.  

     I'm extremely proud of Alicia and her great dreams to one day work with large animals in veterinary care.  She works hard, yet remains positive in achieving her dreams, her goals.

     I've loved having her home with us as an only child because Alicia has gotten over looked from time to time.  She really does follow our rules and has been a joy to raise.  I pray she never grows discouraged, yet remains encouraged that she is a beautiful girl whom I am thoroughly proud of.