Don't hold back that laugh.

Relatives from the Soviet Union sometimes sent photographs in which the subjects seemed naturally preoccupied or serious. This photo breaks from that somber tradition. I like this snapshot because there's a sense that the people want to look composed, but they just can't contain their happiness.

Kaunas, Lithuanian Soviet Socialist Republic, about 1973. Kaunas Nina, sitting, holds dog Ači. Her father, my Dad's cousin Henry, craddles Kasia the cat. Standing are Henry's wife, Suzanne, and Kaunas Cousin.

Thanks to Kaunas Cousin for making this photo available to me.