Hawaii Vacation: Michelle Obama Brings Daughters, Sam Kass To MA'O Organic Farms

First Lady has pizza party reunion with Honolulu chef Ed Kenney, hails his cooking as "perfect" and "delicious"...
While President Obama was stuck in Washington on Monday, First Lady Michelle Obama was in Hawaii introducing daughters Malia and Sasha to the wonders of organic farming, Aloha style. Joined by Senior Policy Advisor for Healthy Food Initiatives Sam Kass, Mrs. Obama took her girls for a visit to MA'O Organic Farms in the Waianae area, according to Honolulu chef Ed Kenney, a board member for the community farm. Using fresh produce, Kenney and Kass cooked veggie-laden pizzas in a fire oven. Mrs. Obama first visited the farm in November, when she hosted a Let's Move! event there as President Obama hosted the APEC Leaders Meeting in Honolulu. (Above: Mrs. Obama and Kenney during her first visit to the farm)

"Beautiful morning @maoorganicfarms w/ the FLOTUS & her girls. Kiawe-fired pizza w/ White House chef Sam Kass," Kenney tweeted about the First Lady's visit.

The First Lady arrived on island with her daughters, Kass and other aides last Friday night for a 17-day vacation. In November, Kass and Malia, 13, and Sasha, 10, were at home in Washington when Kenney joined Mrs. Obama at the 24-acre, student-run certified organic MA'O for a tour of the crop rows and the Let's Move! round table. The chef/owner of Town and Downtown restaurants, Kenney, 43, also cooked the First Lady's special farm-to-table APEC Spouses Luncheon the next day at Kualoa Ranch, which starred produce from MA'O (more on Kenney here).

Kass routinely accompanies the First Family on their winter vacations in Hawaii and summer vacations on Martha's Vineyard. The First Family is staying in the town of Kailua, in a rented compound along the pristine beaches of Kaneohe Bay, up the street from the house they stayed in last Christmas. Extended family and Chicago friends are reported to be on island for the vacation, too. President Obama's arrival date on island has not yet been announced by the White House.

A thank you letter from Mrs. Obama...
Kenney also received a thank-you letter for the APEC Spouses Luncheon from Mrs. Obama, and he tweeted a photo of the letter, too (above). Mrs. Obama hailed the luncheon for twelve, which starred locally fished mahi mahi as well as MA'O vegetables as "delicious," "the perfect meal," and "simply perfect from start to finish."

Kenney is a bit of a history maker: His starter salad featured MA'O beets, a vegetable that Mrs. Obama once declared to be her "worst nightmare" in food.

"She ate every bite," Kenney told Obama Foodorama. The beets were prominent in the salad, which also had arugula, clementine, and pistachio, with Naked Cow Dairy feta, and poppy seed vinaigrette.

The 24-acre MA'O Organic Farms provides most of the produce for Kenney's restaurant and catering operation, as well as for other restaurants and farmers markets. It is run primarily by students who receive a stipend and college tuition for their work, in which they are trained to be agriculture experts.

"Your passion for educating our children and strengthening our understanding of where our food comes from is an inspiration, and I hope you know how much I value all you do," Mrs. Obama wrote.

The First Family has never actually visited Town, Kenney said, because its location makes it difficult to secure for a Presidential dining outing.

*Top photo by AP; second by Ed Kenney

A New First Family Portrait

Christmas in the Oval Office...
President Obama and First Lady Obama sat with their daughters for this new family portrait in the Oval Office on Dec. 11, 2011, according to the White House, which released the image today. Daughters Malia and Sasha are now 13 and 10, respectively. Mrs. Obama's dress was designed by Byron Lars, and the President's official photographer, Pete Souza, created the image.

The first first First Family portrait of the Administration was taken in the Green Room on Sep. 1, 2009, when Malia was 11 and Sasha was 8.

Malia is now about 5'10'' tall, according to the President's latest update on her height. This portrait was taken by legendary photographer Annie Leibovitz, and released by the White House.

Michelle Obama Visits Children's National Medical Center, Talks First Family Food Traditions

What's for dinner on Christmas Eve? What's the President getting for Christmas?...
First Lady Michelle Obama on Monday paid her third annual holiday visit to the Children's National Medical Center, located high on a hill overlooking Washington, DC. Accompanied by First Dog Bo, Mrs. Obama met with a big group of young patients in the airy atrium lobby, joined by a very trim Santa Claus.

The First Lady gave a spirited reading of "'Twas The Night Before Christmas." She wore knee-high brown suede boots and a geometric print jersey top with a wide belt and a gold brooch at the neck over an A-line skirt. Many of the kids, toddlers to teens, wore pajamas as they sat with their parents or nurses; some were in wheelchairs or had IV lines, and will be spending their holidays in the hospital. Bo sat quietly at his mistress' feet the entire time, wearing a red collar with jingle bells.

Mrs. Obama opened the floor to questions, and got plenty of queries about Obama holiday traditions. She explained that the First Family's Christmas Eve dinner takes place in Hawaii because President Obama grew up there, and "that's hometown for us." The entree is usually turkey or steak, she said. That earned multiple exclamations of "ew!" from a little girl in the audience.

"Ew?" Mrs. Obama said, to laughter. "You don't like steak?"

The child explained that her family doesn't eat it.

"Well, we only have steak," Mrs. Obama said. "And our girls love macaroni and cheese. That’s big on the menu. Got to have a little macaroni and cheese."

That got an enthusiastic response from the kids. Macaroni and cheese is also a staple on the First Family's Thanksgiving menu.

"But we have lots of vegetables," Mrs. Obama added. Among the First Family's choices: Spinach, carrots, string beans, and salad, she said.

"Broccoli, that’s our favorite. We have a lot of broccoli."

Mrs. Obama also told the kids that her husband is a pie fanatic, and it's an important part of Christmas Eve dinner.

"We have pie. Loooots of pie. The President looooves pie," Mrs. Obama said, to more laughter. "All kinds of pie."

The First Family's 2010 Christmas Day dinner menu, as released by the White House, read, simply: "Steak, Roasted Potatoes, Green Beans, Pie." No menu was released for Christmas Eve. Pie is also the star of the First Family's Thanksgiving menu: Six kinds are served.

White House holiday parties...
The President and Mrs. Obama are in the midst of a very busy holiday entertaining schedule, and in response to a question about Christmas parties at the White House, she explained what goes on.

"Yes, we have holiday parties," Mrs. Obama said. "We have almost two every day for two weeks. And the President and I are at every holiday party, and we shake almost every hand or take a picture, and we usually do them twice a day."

This started right after the Mrs. Obama unveiled her "Shine, Give, Share" decor scheme on Nov. 30, she said. It will continue until she and her daughters leave for Hawaii late next week. The President and Mrs. Obama stand in the Diplomatic Reception Room during the parties, and they really do greet each guest, and take photos with most.

Still, there were some things Mrs. Obama wouldn't reveal: She declined to tell the kids what she's getting the President for Christmas. (Above: Mrs. Obama holds Bo as he greets a patient)

"We go through this every year," she said, laughing. "I’m not going to say because it’s going to be reported in the paper and it won’t be a surprise...And he’ll read it and say, Oh, that's what you’re getting me."

She admitted that sports gear might be involved, however. The First Lady did tell the kids what she wants as a Christmas gift, when queried about what was on her own list for Santa.

"What I really, really want is for all kids to grow up with the chance to be healthy and happy, and to live a good life, and to get a good education, and to grow up and be anything they want to be. And if every child could have just that simple gift out of life, that would be a wonderful Christmas present for me."

Mrs. Obama got big applause for that. She also revealed that her favorite holiday film is "It's a Wonderful Life," and her favorite holiday book is the one she'd just read aloud.

After the Q & A session, the First Lady led Bo on his leash along the rope line, and he greeted the thrilled kids. Bo's official White House handler, Dale Haney, stood in the background and watched. The First Lady also autographed a couple of kids' casts. (Above: During storytime)

"Yeah, cool," said one boy, Adrian, as he showed off the First Lady's signature in silver sharpie on the black cast on his forearm.

Before meeting the kids, Mrs. Obama toured the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and the Intestinal Rehabilitation Unit, where she met patients and families, as well as doctors, nurses, and other Children’s National staff. She was escorted by two long-time patients, Ashley Reimer, 19 and Romauld Vital, 8. Reimer receives treatment for acute myeloid leukemia; Vital also receives treatment for leukemia through the Oncology Division at Children’s National, according to the hospital.

Mrs. Obama's visit to Children's National continues a tradition started more than sixty years ago by First Lady Bess Truman. On Sunday evening, the First Family attended a star-studded benefit concert for the hospital. (Above: Vital is at Mrs. Obama's left as she arrives with Bo and Santa)

*Photos by Obama Foodorama, except for Bo photo; that's by Chuck Kennedy/White House

Conan O'Brien Cracks On Christmas & Let's Move!

Christmas at the White House is tough for Malia and Sasha Obama, joked Conan O'Brien on Sunday, as he hosted a star-studded benefit concert attended by the President and the First Family.

"Santa's probably not going to stop at a house that leaves out a cup of organic soy milk and a plate of celery cookies," O'Brien said, referencing the First Lady's signature healthy-eating campaign.

Last Christmas, Mrs. Obama advised kids that veggies are for Santa's reindeer, but the Big Guy himself gets cookies.

"Make sure you leave your cookies out and some vegetables for the reindeer, okay?" Mrs. Obama told a youngster as she fielded calls on NORAD's Santa Tracker hotline.

The benefit concert, "Christmas in Washington" will air on TNT on December 16th, and features performances by Justin Bieber, Jennifer Hudson, Cee Lo Green, Victoria Justice and The Band Perry.  President Obama made brief remarks.


*Above, the First Family with "elves" who are patients at the Children's National Medical Center, which will recive the proceeds from the concert. *AP photo

First Family Films "Christmas In Washington"

Star-studded cast for benefit for Children's National Medical Center includes Jennifer Hudson, Cee Lo Green, Conan O'Brien and Justin Bieber...
The First Family joined a star-studded cast on Sunday evening for the 30th anniversary filming of "Christmas in Washington," a benefit concert for the Children's National Medical Center. Held at the National Building Museum, the special will air on TNT on Dec. 16, and was emceed by Conan O'Brien. The concert performances by President Obama's "pal" Justin Bieber, Jennifer Hudson, Cee Lo Green, Victoria Justice and The Band Perry. There were special little elves on hand, too, as well as three different choirs. President Obama hailed the holidays as a "season of miracles," and a time to remember the lessons of Jesus Christ. (Above: As they sing “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," on the President's right are Hudson, Justice, and Bieber; O'Brien is to the left of the First Lady)

First Lady Obama was clad in a bright green dress tea-length dress with criss-cross straps and gold heels. Her daughter were in equally festive garb: Malia wore a bright yellow dress with bell sleeves and a long gold necklace of multiple chains. Sasha was channeling the Sugar Plum Fairy in a ballet-inspired pale purple satin dress with a tutu skirt. President Obama opted for a dark suit. First Grandmother Marian Robinson also attended. (Above: The First Family greets the elves)

Mrs. Obama will visit young patients at the Children's National Medical Center on Monday. Before the performances, the First Family visited with five special elves, dressed in bright red tops, hats and shoes. All are patients at the hospital. They rushed to surround the President and Mrs. Obama as he said “We’ve got elves! Release the elves!”

“You took me around the hospital,” Mrs. Obama said to one elf. “Hi, Barack Obama!” another elf said.

After small talk, the Obamas had the kids turn to face the cameras. The President told them to say “cheese.” Then Mrs. Obama suggested that everyone say “Merry Christmas” to bring out the smiles.

The President and the elves lifted a gift basked of children’s books that the First Couple donated to the Children's National Medical Center, to place on a raised platform under the tree with other gifts.

“Nice job, elves,” the President said, as he doled out high-fives.

O'Brien cracked gently about the First Family as he hosted. At Christmas, he said, thoughts turn to a miracle child, worshipped by millions around the world.

"I'm speaking of course, of Justin Bieber," he said.

He added that it's not easy to be a child at the White House these days:

"Santa's probably not going to stop at a house that leaves out a cup of organic soy milk and a plate of celery cookies."

Vice President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden also attended, but were not onstage during the performances. The First Family sang "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing!" and "Joy to The World" with the cast.



The President's remarks...
President Obama made brief remarks, hailing the holidays as “the season to celebrate miracles" and remember the lessons of Jesus Christ.

"Every year we celebrate his birth because the story of Jesus Christ changed the world. For me and for millions of Americans, the story has filled our hearts and inspired our lives. It moves us to love one another, to help and serve those less fortunate, to forgive, to draw close to our families, to be grateful for all that has been given to us," President Obama said.

"To keep faith, and to hold on to an enduring hope in humanity. Service to others; compassion to all; treating others as we wish ourselves to be treated -- those values aren’t just at the center of Christianity. Those are values that are shared by all faiths. So tonight let us all rededicate ourselves to each other, and in that spirit, from my family to yours: Happy holidays, Merry Christmas, God bless you all, and God bless the United States of America.”

The holiday special has been on TNT since 1999, according to the network.

The program was filmed in the massive concert hall at the museum, which was decorated for Christmas with garlands of greenery and red bows, and a stage featuring a Christmas tree surrounded by presents and potted poinsettia plants. (Above: Along view of the stage)

The United States Naval Academy Glee Club, Washington Youth Choir, and American Family Choir all performed too.

Done with filming, the First Family was rolling for the White House in the motorcade at 7:45 PM.

*Photos by AP/pool

A Different Kind Of Pearl Harbor Attack

There's no way to connect President Obama to the 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. But led by a story from 9 News Now, many media entities are posting the Asian-inspired lunch menu being offered today at Sidwell Friends, the school attended by Obama daughters Malia and Sasha, and somehow trying to lay credit for an "inappropriate" moment at the doorstep of the White House. (Above: The screengrab from the story)

Using the 70th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor--one of the darkest days in the nation's history--in an attempt to criticize the President is a tragic example of the kind of unbridled media lunacy that Mr. Obama and his family are assaulted with on a daily basis.

The 9 News Now story has been a headline on Drudge Report all day ("Sasha and Malia Obama's School Opts For Japanese Food"). Washington Post's gossip columnists queried Sidwell, and an official said the lunch menu is "completely coincidenntal." But the Post's headline, all the same, is "Sidwell Friends's surprising Pear Harbor Day menu." And the Post posted the photo, above, of Sidwell's menu. As can be seen from Sidwell's menu [PDF], the cafeteria serves a wide variety of cuisines.

From the story:

"A school rep told us this was just a fluke — not a meal intended to commemorate the 1941 Japanese attack on U.S. forces: The contractor that prepares school lunches randomly assigned an Asian menu to Dec. 7, and the subcontractor that prints the calendars automatically marked Wednesday at Pearl Harbor Day. “It was completely coincidental,” said Ellis Turner, associate head of the school." 

*The President's statement on the 70th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor.

*Photo via Washington Post

First Family Lights The National Christmas Tree

"That's a good-looking tree," President Obama says, as Colorado Blue Spruce makes its debut on the Ellipse...
Joined by Carson Daly, Kermit the Frog, and a bevy of musical celebs, including boy band Big Time Rush, President Obama re-told the story of the Nativity as he and the First Family lit the National Christmas Tree on a chilly Thursday evening. Santa Claus joined the fun too, of course. (Above, from l: First Grandmother Marian Robinson, Malia, Mrs. Obama, Sasha, Kermit, Daly, Santa, and the President)

The U.S. Air Force Airmen of Note, a military band, played a lively "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" as the First Family took the stage on the Ellipse shortly after 5:00 PM, bundled in winter clothes, including gloves and scarves. It was 47 degrees, cold even for a family used to Chicago's deep freeze. The 26-foot tall Colorado Blue Spruce is in the President's Park, which is essentially the backyard of the White House, located across a small access road from the bottom of the South Lawn. It was installed in March.

"This year, we have a brand new tree," President Obama said during brief remarks. "The last one stood here for more than 30 years -- until we lost it in a storm earlier this year." (Above, during his remarks)

"But we all know that this tradition is much larger than any single tree. And tonight, once again, we gather here not simply to light some decorations, but to honor a story that lights the world."

Christ's birth, said the President, should remind us all that 'tis the season to love God and to love one another. That message "lies at the heart of my Christian faith," he said.

"So long as the gifts and the parties are happening, it’s important for us to keep in mind the central message of this season, and keep Christ’s words not only in our thoughts, but also in our deeds," he said.



The President called on all Americans to remember those in military service; that's the theme of the holidays at the White House this year, unveiled by First Lady Michelle Obama on Wednesday.

A huge happy crowd watched the action on two jumbotrons by the side of the stage, which was decorated with a backdrop of a star-filled night sky. The First Family joined in a bit of caroling, and Mrs. Obama, accompanied by Kermit, read Clement Moore's classic 'The Night Before Christmas," surrounded by little kids garbed in festive holiday gear, who helped her turn the pages (above).

When it was time to light the tree, the President called his family to join him in pushing the button that turns on the environmentally friendly LED lights.

"On behalf of Malia and Sasha and Michelle and our grandmother-in-chief, Marian--I wish you all the happiest holiday season, the merriest of Christmases," he said, to laughter. "God bless you all, and may God bless the United States of America." (Above: Pushing the button)

"I know it's not quite as big as the old tree," he said. "But we're going to fill it up with some spirit and start a new tradition right now...Five, four, three, two, one -- "

And with that, the tree was lit, to wild applause from the crowd.

"There you go. That's a good-looking tree," President Obama said.

There has been a National Christmas Tree every year since 1923, according to the National Park Service. Other performers at the event included The Jersey Boys, OneRepublic, and Will.i.am. Above, the newly lit National Christmas Tree, with the White House in the background.

The motorcade delivered the first Family back to the White House at 6:20 PM.

The First Lady reads to the kids:



*Photos by AP/Pool

First Lady Reportedly Dines At DC's Co Co. Sala; Restaurant Sends Out PR Release

The First Lady's "favorite" dish, "decadent chocolates" for Malia and Sasha, and 7 photos...
First Lady Michelle Obama reportedly dined at Washington, DC's Co Co. Sala restaurant and chocolate bar on Monday night, an outing that earned her a headline on the Drudge Report today ("Michelle slips out of WH to dine on swordfish sliders and 'edible chocolate sculpture'..."). It also earned Mrs. Obama a position in the restaurant's marketing campaign: A publicist for the eatery sent ObFo a press release, reprinted below, on Tuesday night. East Wing aides wouldn't confirm if the First Lady and seven friends actually visited the restaurant, though the press release says Mrs. Obama personally greeted Executive Chef Santosh Tiptur.

Co Co. Sala on Tuesday also tweeted and Facebooked Mrs. Obama's visit, using the wording that appears in their press release, which was accompanied by seven stock photos of the dishes Mrs. Obama reportedly ate--including the "decadent chocolates" she reportedly took home to her daughters. The PR firm spelled the name of the eldest Obama child wrong, among other errors.

The press release, with punctuation and spelling not corrected:

First Lady Michelle Obama enjoyed a sweet night out with 7 others at DC’s Co Co. Sala on Monday night. Located on F Street between 9th and 10th, Co Co. Sala (http://www.cocosala.com) is a critically acclaimed DC restaurant, late night lounge, and chocolate boutique.

While seated in Co Co. Sala’s main lounge area, the First Lady and her friends enjoyed savory dishes prepared by Executive Chef Santosh Tiptur. This was followed, of course, by desserts which featured an edible chocolate sculpture and house-made artisanal chocolates.

“It was such an exciting and humbling experience to meet and be able to share my passion with the First Lady Michelle Obama”, says Chef Tiptur. He further noted that one of Michelle Obama’s favorites was the Moroccan Swordfish Sliders – prepared in chermoula marinade and served with fennel salad, aged pecorino, and hazelnut coffee dressing.

The First Lady did not leave empty handed. From Co Co. Sala’s chocolate boutique located adjacent to the restaurant, Michelle Obama left with several of Co Co. Sala’s decadent chocolates for Sasha and Maliha. Included with these treats were Co Co. Sala’s signature hot co co. pops.

The tweet from @cocosala:

It was such an honor to have First Lady Michelle Obama dine at Co Co. Sala last night. What an exciting and humbling experience!

College Hoops & A Hot Dog

Cheering for First Brother-in-Law Craig Robinson's team, the President watches Oregon State Beavers beat Towson University Tigers...
It was a good post-Thanksgiving Saturday for the Hoops Lover in Chief: President Obama began the day with the news that the 149-day NBA lockout will end, played basketball with personal aide Reggie Love, then traveled to Maryland to watch as the Oregon State Beavers defeated the Towson University Tigers, 66-46. Oregon State, of course, is coached by First Lady Michelle Obama's brother Craig Robinson, and the entire First Family was on hand to witness the victory. President Obama enjoyed a hot dog and bottled water during the second half of the game, sitting beside his wife, who was clad in an orange sweater and black pants, in honor of Oregon State's team colors (above).

Obama daughters Malia and Sasha were also clad in team colors as the First Family entered the Towson basketball arena at 1:40 PM, to a standing ovation from the crowd. The Obamas shook hands with folks in the stands and took their courtside seats, opposite the Oregon State bench.
Before the tip-off, legendary actor-comedian Bill Murray, on hand for the game, stopped by to greet the First Couple (above).

As the Oregon State team was introduced, the President and Mrs. Obama smiled broadly and clapped a bit louder when Coach Robinson’s name was called out. The Oregon State hoopsters on Wednesday joined the First Family as they packed groceries at the Capital Area Food Bank, for a Thanksgiving community service event.

Earlier in the day, after playing basketball with personal aide Reggie Love at Fort McNair, President Obama was asked about the end of the NBA lockout.

The President gave a thumbs up and said, “Good deal.’’

At halftime, the Towson football team was introduced. The Tigers won the Colonial Athletic Association championship this season and are now competing in the FCS playoffs. The players posed for a photo with the President. Swarming around him, the team was warned they’d have to run laps if they didn’t give him some room.

By 4:02 PM, victory accomplished, the President and First Lady were airborne in Marine One, heading back to the White House from the Baltimore area. Daughters Malia and Sasha traveled separately, according to pool. Before heading to Maryland, the President and his daughters visited Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe in Washington, DC, for Small Business Saturday.

*Photos by AP/pool

Small Business Saturday: President Obama Visits Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe

President buys books during early Christmas shopping outing...
To support "Small Business Saturday," President Obama this morning did some Christmas shopping, browsing the literary offerings at Washington, DC's Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe, accompanied by daughters Malia and Sasha. The popular bookstore and cafe, located in Dupont Circle, has been open since 1976.

"You doing some Christmas shopping? Not yet?" President Obama asked a boy named Alexander, whom he greeted by the bakery case (above, as Malia and Sasha look on).

"Well, we're starting early. This is Small Business Saturday. So we're out here supporting small business."

Father and daughters browsed the travel/writing section for a while, and left with an armload of childrens' books, but not before the President shook hands and chatted with fellow patrons. (Above: Browsing the stacks)

The event to encourage support of independently owned businesses was sponsored by some very large corporations: American Express, FedEx, Google, and Facebook, among others. Small businesses create one in three jobs in America, according to the Administration. The President arrived at 11:36 AM, and spent about 20 minutes with his daughters at the store.

The President began his Saturday with a rousing game of hoops in the gym at Ft. McNair, joined by personal aide Reggie Love, who will depart the White House by the end of the year.

"We're sad to see Reggie go," President Obama told his press pool, when queried. "But he's doing the right thing. He's going to finish his education and as you can see we're still getting a little basketball in."

The Presidential book purchases, according to the White House:

The Invention of Hugo Cabret - by Brian Selnick

Diary of a Whimpy Kid Cabin Fever - by Jeff Kinney

Tails - by Matthew Van Fleet

Descent into Chaos - by Ahmed Rashid

The Tiger's Wife - by Tea Obreht

The Phantom Tollbooth - by Norton Juster

The Brief Wonderous Life of Oscar Wao - by Junot Diaz

Zen Shorts - by Jon Muth

The President's motorcade was back at the White House by 11:57 AM.  In the afternoon, the First Family traveled to Towson University, to watch First Brother-in-Law Craig Robinson's Oregon State Beavers trump the Towson Tigers 66-46, in a hoops match up.

Info: Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe is at 1517 Conn. Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036. Phone: (202) 387-1400.

*Top photo by Pete Souza/White House; second by AP/pool

O Christmas Tree: First Lady Michelle Obama Receives 2011 Official White House Tree

Wisconsin tree will be displayed in Blue Room, with decorations that honor military families...
The very busy Presidential winter holiday season officially kicked off this morning when First Lady Michelle Obama accepted delivery of the 2011 Official White House Christmas Tree. Joined by daughters Malia and Sasha and First Dog Bo, Mrs. Obama was presented with the 19-foot-tall Balsam Fir, grown in Wisconsin, during a brief ceremony by the North Portico. The tree will be the centerpiece of the White House Christmas decorating scheme, on display throughout the holidays in the Blue Room with a theme that honors Blue Star families. Mrs. Obama's decorating theme will be unveiled next Wednesday, Nov. 30. She will welcome military families as the first group of visitors to view the seasonal decor.

The tree was delivered via horse-drawn wagon, with a top-hatted coachman in control of an impressive pair of Clydesdales, their necks bedecked with red ribbons and wreathes. A band of US Marine Corps horn players gave a rousing rendition of O Christmas Tree as Mrs. Obama and her daughters watched the tree arrive.

"Let's check it out," the First Lady said to the girls as they walked around the carriage, examining the tree. Bo scampered about, trotting between the horses and his mistress.

Mrs. Obama, her hair pulled back in a bun, kept the autumn chill at bay in a gray sweater, gray print skirt and knee-high gray boots. She chatted briefly with 2011 National Christmas Tree Association Grand Champion winners Sue and Tom Schroeder, who grew the tree on their farm, Schroeder’s Forevergreens, near Neshkoro, Wisconsin (above). The tree was planted eighteen years ago.

Mrs. Obama's inspection was purely ceremonial: White House Chief Horticulturalist Jim Adams and Superintendent of Grounds Dale Haney, who were on hand for today's presentation, traveled to Wisconsin to select the tree on Oct. 3rd. The Schroeders harvested it on Nov. 17th.



"What do you think? Does it get the thumbs up?" Mrs. Obama asked Malia and Sasha. They enthusiastically consented, and Mrs. Obama agreed.

"Thumbs up!" she said. "Bring 'er on in!"

100,000 people will see the dazzling tree...
The very tall tree will require the removal of the Blue Room chandelier as it is installed. It will be viewed by as many as 100,000 people during the holidays, according to a White House aide, between those who visit for regular tours and for the many festive receptions that will be held through Dec. 16. Social Secretary Jeremy Bernard, the mastermind for the upcoming events, was on hand for today's delivery ceremony. (Above: Carriage horse Abe, right, and Jay, delivered the tree last year, too)

The White House will be decorated by the floral department staff and a team of volunteers this weekend and through the beginning of next week.

Schroeder’s Forevergreens is one of approximately 800 Christmas tree farms and lots nationwide that donate Christmas trees to the Christmas SPIRIT Foundations’ Trees for Troops program, according to the East Wing. (Above: Mrs. Obama, the girls, and Bo walk out to receive the tree)

"Trees for Troops has provided 84,000 full-sized farm-grown Christmas trees to troops and military families since it began in 2005 and this year’s goal is to deliver their 100,000th tree," the East Wing said.

Members of the National Christmas Tree Association have presented the official White House Christmas Tree for display in the Blue Room since 1966.

Last year's tree was grown in Pennsylvania. Read about it here.

*Photos by Eddie Gehman Kohan/Obama Foodorama

The First Family Visits Capital Area Food Bank For Thanksgiving Community Service

The Obamas work food distribution table, gift turkeys and White House M&Ms to surprised patrons...
On the chilly, drizzly eve of Thanksgiving, the First Family on Wednesday afternoon continued a longstanding tradition of holiday community service with a visit to Capital Area Food Bank in Northeast Washington, DC. President Obama, First Lady Obama, daughters Malia and Sasha and First Grandmother Marian Robinson chatted with patrons as they handed out recyclable green shopping bags full of holiday groceries to a crowd of excited visitors. (Above: The First Family in action)

"Happy Thanksgiving to you!" President Obama said repeatedly, and asked people their names and holiday plans.



The 4:30 PM outing came after a jocular turkey pardoning ceremony in the morning, where the President grinned his way through the annual reprieve for two lucky gobblers, Liberty and Peace. He was still filled with holiday spirit, and smiled, chatted and shook hands with the patrons who approached the long distribution table where he stood with his family, offering bags of baby carrots, grapes and apples from blue plastic tubs.

There was a special treat on offer, too: White House M&Ms were gifted to the delighted patrons, who were not informed that the Obama family would be at work. The special candy is in white boxes with a blue Presidential seal and President Obama's autograph.

The food bank donates 30 million pounds of food per year to those in need, according to the White House. Many of the patrons were regulars, according to pool, and surprised to see the First Family at work in the warehouse-style room, which was filled with stacked pallets and shelves of food boxes.

The President was clad casually in a dark blue shirt, the collar unbuttoned, and an unzipped jacket, and he admired a sharply dressed patron.

"Now that's a nice looking suit!" He told one man, who wore a beige pinstriped suit.

The First Lady wore a green and black dress with a maroon hooded sweatshirt. The girls had an outfit change from the morning's pardon ceremony, where their sparkling shoes had caught the attention of the press.

The White House said that members of the Oregon State basketball team were also at work during the hour the First Family visited. That, of course, is the team coached by Mrs. Obama's brother, Craig Robinson.

The President and Mrs. Obama donated two dressed turkeys to the food bank, given by Jaindl’s Turkey Farm in Orefield, Pennsylvania, the White House said.

The Obama Family Thanksgiving celebration on Thursday will be at the White House. Update: The menu. On Friday, the winter holidays begin, as Mrs. Obama is presented with the Official White House Christmas Tree during during a ceremony by the North Portico. Update: The presentation.

The motorcade left the Capital Area Food Bank at 5:17 pm and, after an uneventful ride, arrived at the White House at 5:28 pm.

*Top photo by Pete Souza/White House; other photos & Video by AP/pool

Michelle Obama, Undercover Eater, Visits Chipotle, Baskin Robbins, Starbucks...

"We try to sneak out as much as possible," First Lady says about secret visits to DC eateries and stores...Video
"My secret's out," First Lady Obama said today as she described how she sneaks out of the White House "as much as possible" for foodie adventures and incognito shopping trips in the Washington, DC area. Mrs. Obama said she's gone unrecognized during visits to Starbucks, Mexican fast food eatery Chipotle, and Baskin Robbins, as well as to Petco with First Dog Bo.

"I do that more frequently than people realize," Mrs. Obama said. "And it's amazing how people don't recognize you. They don't expect to see me at Starbucks or Chipotle."

Daughters Malia, 13, and Sasha, 10, often accompany her, the First Lady said.

"My secret's out but we try to sneak out as much as possible," Mrs. Obama said. "I've been in Baskin Robbins a number of times. You know how the kids aren't really paying attention--they're looking right through you? They don't know it's me."

The outings help maintain a sense of normalcy for her girls, Mrs. Obama said, as she described her secret foodie life to Today show anchor Al Roker, who joined her Tuesday for a Let's Move! event. The First Lady's incognito trips have included visits to some of DC's finest eateries, like Zaytinya and BLT Steak, but she didn't mention these to Roker, who used his White Hosue visit to quiz Mrs. Obama about her recent incognito trip to a suburban Target store, which caused global headlines. In a TMI moment, Roker also asked Mrs. Obama if she buys bulk toilet paper during her sneaky shopping trips.

"We pretty much have our supplies stocked," the First Lady said. "It's one of the perks."

*Today show video

First Family Pays Tribute To 9/11 Victims With Service Project At DC Central Kitchen

President hails community kitchen as an "incredible program" as First Family packs meals for 4,000...
President Obama was up to his elbows in chicken & sausage gumbo on Saturday afternoon as he helped pack more than 4,000 meals at DC Central Kitchen, a community kitchen and culinary training facility located near the US Capitol in Washington. First Lady Obama and daughters Malia, 13, and Sasha, 10, joined the President for the community service project in honor of 9/11 victims. It came a day ahead of the September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance, because the President and Mrs. Obama will be participating in memorial events on Sunday in Washington, New York, and Pennsylvania. (Above: The President scoops gumbo as Malia and DCCK staff watch)

"I want to focus on the fact that outstanding programs like this and contributions of people all across the region is part of the spirit of remembering what 9/11 is all about-- the country being unified and looking out for one another," President Obama said, echoing sentiments in a morning e-mail he sent to supporters, and the message of his weekly address.

The President's shirtsleeves were rolled up and he wore blue plastic gloves and a white apron as he worked at an aluminum prep table, scooping gumbo, Malia by his side. DC Central founder Robert Egger and about twenty staff and volunteers joined the First Family to pack the gumbo, salad and cantaloupe slices into serving containers.

"This kitchen here is feeding 5,000 families a day," President Obama said. "And at the same time they're also training people directly in the culinary arts. So as a consequence folks going through this program end up being employable in restaurants facilities and hotels all across the region. An incredible program."

Mrs. Obama and Sasha were stationed at a different prep table from the President and Malia, and worked with vegetables sourced from the Shenandoah Valley Farmers' auction. DC Central chef Allison Sosna, who runs the organizations' school lunch program, is to the First Lady's right, above.

"Mrs Obama & Malia just helped cryo-vac enough locally sourced corn to produce thousands of meals this winter. #TheFirstFamilyGETSIT," Egger (@RobertEgger) tweeted after the project was done (sic).

"My twenty or so minutes with Michelle Obama today were surreal and she's also one of the easiest people to talk to," Sosna (@ChefAllisonDCCK) tweeted.

Sosna hails from New Jersey, and was on the varsity rowing team when attending American University in DC.

"Michelle Obama and I covered food access, food stamps, our culture of food, rowing, Sasha swimming's skills, living in jersey in 20minutes," Sosna said in another tweet (sic).

Sosna also spoke with Mrs. Obama about Sasha's love of searing tuna with the White House chefs, something Mrs. Obama first revealed during a reporters' luncheon in February.

Located on the ground floor of the Federal City Shelter, DC Central began its first phase of operations in 1989 when Egger organized a drive to feed the homeless with leftover food from the Presidential inauguration.

The nationally acclaimed Culinary Arts Training Program helps formerly incarcerated, addicted, homeless and unemployed men and women re-enter society. DC Central has a catering operation that is in high demand in Washington, and also provides lunches for area schools. They're responsible for boiling and coloring thousands of the eggs used each year at the White House Easter Egg Roll. (Above: The President scoops gumbo as Malia and a staffer look on)

As they worked, the President and Egger discussed the role nonprofits play in boosting the economy, Egger said in another tweet.

Mr. Obama "expressed great appreciation for the jobs #nonprofits create & our role in the economic rebuild of America," Egger tweeted (sic).

The 4,000 meals the First Family packed today will be distributed to schools, community groups and churches, according to a White House aide.

After the food packing was finished, the President and First Lady posed for photos with staff and volunteers. Both autographed the day's commemorative menu (above).

"Go D.C. Central Kitchen!" President Obama wrote above his signature.

The meal prep at DC Central came after the President and Mrs. Obama visited Arlington National Cemetery this morning, where they walked, holding hands, through graves in Section 60, the resting place for heroes lost in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The motorcade left the White House at 12:55, and arrived 1:02 at DC Central Kitchen. The First Family returned to the White House just before 2:00 PM.

Update: On Sunday, The President and Mrs. Obama visited the World Trade Center memorial in New York, the Flight 93 National Memorial in Pennsylvania and the Pentagon to mark the anniversary with families of those killed in the terror attacks. The President also released a special video message for 9/11 families. In the evening, the President gave a moving address on American resilience after 9/11, as he spoke at "A Concert for Hope" at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.

Video from AP:



*First and second photos by Getty; third and fourth by Samantha Appleton/White House; Menu photo from Robert Egger. *Updated.

Obama Begins Vacation On Martha's Vineyard

President has no public events scheduled during nine-day vacation at Blue Heron Farm; top advisors on island, too...

President Obama starts his first full day of vacation on the island of Martha's Vineyard today. He'll be making ice cream runs, golfing, and cycling as he relaxes for nine days on the woodsy island off the coast of Massachusetts, according to a White House spokesman. After three days of talking corn seed and the economy in the heartland, President Obama--minus his family--left the White House to travel to the island on Thursday afternoon, accompanied by First Dog Bo. The First Family is staying at the privately owned Blue Heron Farm, a 28.5-acre estate in the township of Chilmark. They also rented the property the previous two summers. (Above: The President arrives at Martha's Vineyard Airport in West Tisbury, Thursday evening)



"I don't usually hang out with Red Sox fans," said President Obama, a White Sox enthusiast, as he mingled with excited locals at the Cape Cod airport, holding a baby clad in the enemy team's gear. The baby's thrilled mom snapped photos. Mr. Obama has no public events scheduled through Saturday, Aug. 27, when he returns to Washington.



"This is an opportunity for the President to spend a little time away from the spotlight with his wife and two daughters," said Deputy Press Secretary Josh Earnest, adding that the summer holiday will be much like those in 2009 and 2010.



The President is expected to "go out and get ice cream and ride bicycles," Earnest said, and play golf, "a hobby he enjoys."



The island has been a retreat for Presidents and their families for decades, including the Kennedys and the Clintons, who own a home there. It has miles of pristine beaches and hiking and cycling trails, and a vibrant restaurant scene.



The estate...

There's plenty of privacy at the vacation retreat, which rents for $50,000 a night: Blue Heron Farm is at the end of a mile-long driveway. It has four different dwellings, including a white Victorian farm house, a reconstructed "Pennsylvania hay barn" and a "Vermont shed." There's also an apple orchard, vegetable gardens, a swimming pool, golf practice tee and a small basketball court. (Above: The President's motorcade turns into Blue Heron Farm on Thursday evening)



The property overlooks Tisbury Great Pond. Last year's island idyll included runs for treats to ice creamery Mad Martha's, cycling with First Lady Obama and Malia and Sasha, beach picnics, and evening dining outings.



A working vacation...

Amidst much criticism that the President is vacationing as the economy is unstable, with the stock market tumbling again Thursday, Earnest stressed that it's a working vacation. The President will be crafting a new jobs package he is expected to roll out in a speech after Labor Day, Earnest said.



"I don’t think that the American people begrudge the President spending a little time with his wife and daughters at the end of the summer before his daughters head back to school," Earnest said.



John Brennan, the President's top counter terrorism advisor, will be on the island "for the duration of the President’s time there," Earnest said. "He’ll be providing regular updates to the President to ensure that he’s properly briefed on national security issues."



Brian Deese, the Deputy Director of the National Economic Council, will travel to Martha’s Vineyard "and will spend the week there next week," Earnest said, also doing briefings.



The President arrived at Otis Air Force Base in Cape Cod, MA, aboard Air Force One at 5:25 PM Thursday. He greeted locals, held a baby, then traveled by Marine One to the island, landing at 5:58 PM. He then departed for Chilmark in his motorcade. (Above: At Andrews Air Force Base, an aide leads Bo to Air Force One for the first leg of the trip)



*AP photos