US Election 2012: Sasha And Malia Obama, First Daughters Through The Years (PICTURES)

PHOTOS: Where Have Obama's Little Girls Gone?

What a difference four years make, especially if you're the Obama girls.

Sasha and Malia Obama, 14 and 11 years old, have been kept away from the public eye for much of the election, and flew to Chicago from Washington for the victory speech.

Both are growing into "strong, smart, beautiful young women", their father Barack said as he celebrated victory, no doubt remembering the shy little girls who first walked onto the stage in 2008 - when they were just 10 and seven years old.

The Obamas: Then and Now

Obama paid a touching tribute to his wife and daughters in his victory speech in Chicago

He said: "I wouldn't be the man I am today without the woman who agreed to marry me 20 years ago.

"Let me say this publicly. Michelle, I have never loved you more.

"I have never been prouder to watch the rest of America fall in love with you too as our nation's first lady.

"Sasha and Malia – before our very eyes, you're growing up to become two strong, smart, beautiful young women, just like your mom.

"And I am so proud of you guys. But I will say that, for now, one dog's probably enough."

The president was referring to his 2008 victory speech, where he paid tribute to his daughters and promised them a dog.

He said: "Sasha and Malia I love you both more than you can imagine. And you have earned the new puppy that's coming with us to the new White House."

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