Hua Yunqing always loved to take pictures of almost everything that happened in their lives. It could be something as simple as the family having a sumptuous dessert to the sleeping cat on the sofa, or something as wonderful as a new car. The pictures helped the family go down memory lane often. So that, if the details fade from their memories, the pictures are there to bring back reminisces of the events. When he first held his daughter Huahua after she was born in China in 1979, he fell in love with her.
1980 and 1981
And Hua Yunquing welcomed a new tradition along with his daughter. Every year, for 35 years, he will take pictures with her, at the same place—near a lake in Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province. The first picture taken in 1980, was the very first in the series. The picture depicts a proud father, holding the tiny hand of his daughter. One-year-old Huahua smiled shyly at the camera.
The next year, she stood confidently on her two feet, without support from her father. She looks beautiful in her small dress. She is only two in the picture taken in 1981.
1982
The family was on a vacation this year and Huahua looks prettier as she smiles widely at the camera. Her father stood like a proud father next to her, the same way they had the previous year.
But this time, little Huahua had hands on her hips, as tried to imitate her father. She looked so brave as well, ready to take on the world, and her father was there to guide her through every step.
1984 and 1985
In 1984, the family kept to their annual tradition and returned to the lake for their photo shoot. Huahua was 5 years old and was a happy little child. She had grown so much as well and wore her hair short. She wears a beautiful blouse and pants and her feet were covered in socks and sandals.
In 1985, they were dressed differently in bathing suits for their photo shoot, after a refreshing dip in the lake. It was the first time they were taking color photos. It was refreshing to see Huahua in a pink dress and long socks.
1986 and 1987
Huahua wears a pristine white dress for this year’s photo shoot, and her father a white polo shirt and shorts. They had come down to the lake to spend the day as well. Hua has her father’s attention as he teaches her to swim.
In 1987, she wears more colorful clothes this time. She has a red bow around her neck. Her father is dressed casually like he just took a walk on the shores of the lake. Huahua has a more feminine cut and her hair is starting to grow faster.
1988, 1989 and 1990
The father-daughter duo appears to have chosen a carefree shot theme for their photo shoot in 1989.
They both have light clothes and sandals on, with expressions that exude carefree light-heartedness. Huahua looks more stylish in a white skirt and shirt. She is also taller in this photo, although she still looks smaller in size.
In 1990, the father-daughter pair is smiling widely in their photo. Huahua wears a white T-shirt and shorts. While her father wears a white polo shirt, brown pants and sunglasses to block out the sun’s rays. Hua seems to be taller and is almost reaching her father’s shoulders.
1991 and 1992
Their style and pose don’t change so much in their photos in 1991. Huahua settles for a white outfit, coupled with a slick tunic, and a wavy pink and white skirt. Her father settles for an outfit typical of the early 90s, a striped polo shirt and cream shorts. Huahua is wearing sunglasses this time around.
In 1992, she wears a more serious expression on her face. Her father stands next to her, in a shirt and slacks and a leather pouch in his hand. His expression gives away hints of the long tumultuous teenage years that await him.
1993 and 1994
The pictures taken in 1993, shows Huahua in her early teenage years. Her father has one of his arms placed protectively around her, while the other firmly clutches his satchel. Huahua is wearing pigtails that accentuate a cool and carefree expression.
The photo taken in 1994, is different. Father and daughter are both smiling widely, as the wind plays with Huahua’s hair. Their posture is different this time, as they take to the sides.
1995 and 1996
The picture taken in 1995, shows Huahua in braces and glasses. She is 16, but still her father’s princess. Huahua’s smile is ever gorgeous even though she is going through a difficult teenage phase. She isn’t about to let anything get in the way of her dreams.
Fifteen years later, in 1996, Huahua clocked 17, but very little has changed. The affection between father and daughter is still strong. They look very comfortable with each other. Hua is now the same height as her father. And her father is still in his professional career years, judging by the tie he is wearing.
1997 and 1999
Huahua is wearing teenage jeans and a t-shirt. Her father is wearing his work clothes, trousers, shirt and a tie. His outfit depicts a successful professional career. Huahua looks somehow embarrassed in this photo. She is leaving her teenage years behind.
In 1999, Huahua looks like a young woman in the photo. She is wearing a loose pinafore dress while her father is dressed in formal wear. Huahua now wears her hair to shoulder length.
2000 and 2001
Huahua looks very feminine in a bright red dress, while her father settles for a casual outfit. Father and daughter have cheerful smiles on their faces as they pose for the camera. But this time, they have changed positions.
In 2001, Hua looks older as he approaches fifty. Huahua is ever radiant as she has fully entered adulthood. Father and daughter look positive and confident in the photos.
2002 and 2003
In 2002, Huahua is 24 in this photo. She appears more youthful and her style has evolved. She is wearing a sophisticated outfit and a beautiful designer bag. Her dad is wearing casual outfits, a polo shirt, jeans and a cap.
In 2003, Huahua appears more feminine and attractive in a black outfit and a burgundy sleeveless top. She is an independent young woman living her dreams. But she is still her father’s daughter. Hua is wearing casual outfits and the proud smile on his face is hard to miss.
2004 and 2005
The 2004 picture shows a 26 years old attractive Huahua in neutral outfits. She looks comfortable as her father hugs her affectionately in this photo.
The photo taken from 2005 shows Hua who has gotten much older. Huahua is taller than her father and very much more sophisticated. She has chosen a traditional outfit for this year’s photo shoot.
2006 and 2007
Hua seems to have taken interest in photography. He takes many great shots we can’t help but admire. His daughter is wearing pigtails and a pretty patterned dress. She is simply breathtaking, and we can’t help but look forward to the day she finds her prince charming.
In 2007, Hua looks much older, as gray hair appears on his head. Both father and daughter are smiling widely, although Huahua has a more serious expression.
2008
2008 marks a turning point in their lives as Huahua welcomes a new baby into the family. It seems Huahua found her prince charming after all. This is the first photo Huahua’s daughter appears in. The baby wears the same haircut as her mom at that same age. Hua is overjoyed as he carries his grandchild.
2009
Hua’s granddaughter is fast growing into a little girl. Huahua’s daughter is wearing a polka dot dress and small sandals. Hua can’t hide the happiness he feels, for being a part of his daughter’s life in these times. The shots show a happy family whose bond is going strong regardless of the issues life has thrown their way.
2010
In 2010, the photo shows a mature Huahua posing with her father and daughter. Huahua’s daughter is the spitting image of her, only that she has more hair than her mother. Huahua is holding her daughter’s blue soft toy. Her father is wearing a tracksuit in this photo and his smile is wide. The family is grateful for how far they have come, and the bond they share.
2011
In this photo, Huahua’s daughter is standing in between her mother and grandfather. She has grown so fast and is looking much bigger. Hua and Huahua settled for casual outfits in this photo. They still look like one big, happy family that is happy with each other. The only difference is that Hua looks a lot older.
2012
In 2012, the family welcomed a new addition to this year’s family tradition—Huahua’s second daughter. Huahua and her first daughter are wearing matching outfits. And all four take their positions to pose for the camera. The baby is still oblivious to what is happening. We are certain she will soon grow to love this tradition. Huahua’s eldest daughter looks so pretty in her glasses.
2013 and 2014
The penultimate photo shows Huahua’ first daughter much grown and aware of this family tradition. Her second daughter is bigger now and carried by grandpa. Huahua looks stunning in a brightly colored dress.
This is the last photo in the series. The family has left us teary-eyed as we have witnessed how beautifully they have bonded over the years. Huahua and her daughters wear matching outfits in this photo. The family looks healthy and happy. We wish them so much love and happiness and pray they always stay happy.