Move over Miley Cyrus. I never know what to expect from my daughter. After school, she's as equally likely to bring home a stray hamster as a school book. The other day, she came bounding through the school doors, singing and dancing with one of her little friends. It was cute, as little-people songs always are. It sounded something like this: "I'm nodding my head like yeeeah, shaking my hips like yeeeah (repeat many times until absolutely annoyed)." Like most 6-year-old musical renditions, it took me a while to understand what they were singing. But, as parents, we nod, smile, and hope they forget it by nap time. The words aren't always important. Excited about their duet, the two of them shook, shimmied, and wiggled a little dance. Cute. But the cuteness quickly vanished as I saw them run for the silver light pole that stands in front of the school. My worst fears realized, Abby has somehow gleaned the ways of Miley Cyrus. Dad displeased.

Of the many things dads worry about -- and there are many things we worry about -- how we help our daughters find connections to the right role models seems supremely important. And, for good reason. Outside the home, our kids are bombarded by social media, over-sexualized reality television, internet, and even music. From within this mish-mash of often inappropriate influences, who slips through the filter to grab the imagination of our daughters? More precisely, who should be influencing them? Miley Cyrus? Britney? Paris Hilton? Kim Kardashian? Dads, the numbers are not in our favor. After all, these bigger-than-life characitures of fame, fortune, and success often shatter and distort our kids' perception of reality. Acting out, behaving stupidly, and living lives imbued in ambivalence is the new "smart" these days. Scratching my head, perplexed, I think to myself ... can't we do any better?

I might have an answer, though. Work with me on this.

A few days ago, I drove down to Stockton, MO, to photograph an old friend and her family. Heather and Tim Barrett moved to the country, in part, to avoid the distractions and chaos of the city. I can't blame them. I mean, what an amazing place to raise kids -- a rustic log home nestled on 40 perfectly serene acres of land ... 45 miles from Wal Mart. I'm sold.

Blessed with two phenomenal kids, Allie and Andy, it's obvious from an even superficial meeting they take nothing for granted. They work hard, play together, and instill values that some might call traditional. Not by chance, the foundation to succeed has long been set for them both. Slinging the camera bag over my shoulder, I see their daughter tidying up a pavilion near their firing range.

Meet Allie Barrett. Every dad envisions the "template." You know, the list of traits and behaviors we hope to pass on to our daughters. Allie is no disappointment. She's calm, controlled, beautiful, and impeccably well-mannered. Oh, and she's handy with a Smith & Wesson -- a nice ancillary benefit for dads worried about teaching their daughters the self-confidence they require to navigate the maze that awaits them. I'm taking notes, believe me.

Known as "Allie-Cat," she's also a USPSA tournament target shooter, competing in a sport unquestionably dominated by men. Before the shoot (the photographic one), I watched Allie practice on the family's firing range. Every shot, fired in quick one-second bursts, hit its steel target -- quick reload, fire again. She never missed a target. To put this in perspective, I fired four rounds from her 9mm. Sure I hit the targets, but it took me about 15 seconds to relax between shots. I wasn't drawing the weapon, and I never had to reload. I think she gave me a 10 yard spot, but I can't be sure. I was just happy not to drop the gun.

While many girls obsess over the latest Kardashian drama, Allie helps her parents and brother (also an accomplished shooter) run the family firing range. When she's not working, however, you'll likely find her practicing with any number of weapons -- a 45 caliber 1911, M&P 223, M&P 9mm, or Volquartsen target rifle. You know, all of the stuff girls traditionally play with. Good for you, Allie.

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