The faces of Ella

This girl, this almost 6-year-old daughter of my niece, Anna, is a mercurial girl... full of life, full of contrast, bright and funny and lovely. It's a joy just being near her, to watch her laugh and tease.

She's photogenic and a natural in front of the camera, but doesn't have that posed smile that too many kids develop. She's just herself.

This morning she splashed in the lake, gradually getting more comfortable in the water, and before she knew it, she was wet to her bottom. And that inspired endless giggles from her (and from her aunt).