passport addendum

Remember this? (My theory that no matter what, it is impossible to have a cute passport picture?)

Two things have happened since I typed that post.
1. I found my first passport ever.
2. Ruby had her passport pictures taken.

First, I mentioned that I was in that horrible "tween stage" that we can refer to as "the ugly years" of any girl's life. Being an awkward 12 year old apparently wasn't bad enough--I had to get a picture of me taken at the angle that best showed off the double chin and bangs I chopped myself:

Second, my sweet, adorable, precious princess got her picture taken. Normally this girl could be a baby model (not that I'm at all biased):

Photo courtesy of Anna-Alyse Photography

But sure enough, the passport picture made even this adorable girl look, well, you can just take a look yourself:

(Since I'm her mom, actually still think she looks cute even though she's angry)

Since last time I wrote about passports, my feelings toward them have only sharpened as I've realized the true nature of international travel: making us look as absolutely pathetic as possible.

"No, customs guy, I swear I'm just a normal person! Oh yeah, the picture..."

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Passport pics

3 Passports=3 Worst pictures that have ever been taken of me

The first time I got a passport I was in that "tween" stage of life--you know--where you're totally insecure about your self-image. As if being a chubby 12 year old wasn't already bad enough, they had to take a picture from the worst possible angle. I tried to find the picture for you to believe, but couldn't. I guess you'll just have to take my word that it was taken during the ugly years...
I thought then about drawing a picture (you know, my amazing stick figures), but I just can't do it justice. Again, you'll just have to take my word for it that that picture did not help my pre-adolescent self-esteem.

Five years later I was due for another picture. By this time I had at least grown out of the awkward chubby years, but for whatever reason they got a picture of me where I looked like I was on drugs (I swear I wasn't):

Check out those eyes.

A couple weeks ago I decided to get a new passport. The one from age 17 doesn't expire for two more years (when I turn 27) but I found out it costs the same to change your last name as it does to get a whole new passport.
Anyway, I went to Costco with a huge winter scarf and no make up on. I took off my coat, but it never crossed my mind to take off the scarf. I smiled for the picture and the lady said, "Close your mouth! You can smile, but NO TEETH!" I have no idea why she said that, because its not a rule. But alas, I obeyed:

What do I remind you of?

Cross your fingers that in ten years I'll be able to have a normal passport picture!

Anyone else have any bad passport picture stories?