Erica age 16

30 days of Erica age 16

My girl was in 10 grade when she turned 16.  She became a driver and later got a job working at Baumer's Birkenstock , now called Baumer's Footwear.  She was excelling in Band and Color Guard and even writing the color guard work for the show.  Finally she could DATE.  We had a strict rule that she could not single date until she was 16.  She could do group things but she had to wait for the single dates.  Guess who her first official date was with?  Alan Baumer.....a winner!  He was such a polite young man and very respectful of Larry and me and our rules.  The perfect prelude to a future son in law.  Of course, we didn't know that back then.

While I wanted to hold onto to her and keep her with us forever....I knew that was unrealistic.  I have to say....it was a pleasure to watch my baby girl mature.  She has always been beautiful inside and outside.

Her first prom!!!!!  This gorgeous couple was so patient with me while I made a ton of pictures.  I wanted to capture every moment of her first prom at ECS.  Alan was a Senior and Erica was a Sophomore.  They had a great time....they always did and they still do today.

Erica was captain of the Guard this band year and she took her position seriously.  She whipped those guard members into shape and did it with a loving manner.  She was able to be firm yet sweet.   The girls responded well to Erica and they were able to win many awards during this band season.

By now....Erica and Alan were an official couple.  After Alan graduated, he left town for the summer to be in the Spirit Drum Corp.  He had auditioned earlier and made the horn line.  This summer was a hard one for Erica since he was gone.  She was able to go see him perform one time with the Baumers and then she and I went with the Baumers to be there for his birthday.  That helped her get through the summer since July is his birthday.

Then...he went away to college at JSU.  I was very proud of them for handling a long distance relationship as well as they did.

Here is a picture of them at a JSU football game.  Larry and I took Erica there to see him march with the band....oh yeah...we also watched the game. That band was awesome.....it was a fun experience for all of us.