Not so very long ago, you were too shy to smile.

I’d try to take a picture, but you battled back, often refusing to participate.  You’d be the one grandchild not in the picture.

Or your Dad would hold you horizontally and “fly you” into the picture from the side.  Needless to say a severe scowl or ear piercing cry would follow this painful procedure.

When you were three, you let the My School photographer take your picture, but you definitely did not enjoy it.  The expression on your face said “I despise everything about this.”

When you were four, you lined up for your school picture but when you got to the front of the line and it was your turn, you somehow snuck to the back. You did this enough times that your photo was never taken… and no one evidently noticed.  Except your Mom when she didn’t get a school picture.

I learned this story from you last year… you told it to me with a mixture of pure matter-of-factness and possible pride… I couldn’t tell which!  You were revealing and sharing a trick of the bashful trade.

And so with this backdrop, it is with great pleasure I share favorite Emma photos from the past year.  Here’s to the girl who found her voice, confidence and smile.