First Tour of the White House by Obama Girls

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Malia and Sasha Obama got a special personal tour of the White House on Tuesday.

At the invitation of first lady Laura Bush, the Bush twins, Barbara and Jenna, showed Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7, their new rooms at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, along with mother Michelle Obama and the girls' grandmother, Marian Robinson.

The Obamas spent about an hour at the mansion, Sally McDonough, a spokeswoman for Laura Bush, told The Associated Press.

Said Michelle Obama's spokeswoman, Katie McCormick Lelyveld: "Of course, Mrs. Obama greatly appreciated this invitation to provide an opportunity for the girls to feel at home and become comfortable in this transition process." White House spokesperson Sally McDonough added that the Bush twins "enjoyed showing their rooms to the Obama girls."

Earlier in the day, the Obamas visited their top choices for schools "to make sure we find the right fit," Lelyveld said. She would not name the schools. "Their move to Washington is her top priority," she said.

In an interview on Sunday's 60 Minutes, Barack and Michelle Obama declined to reveal whether they would send their daughters to public or private school.

They also said the family will get a dog, but not until later this winter, after they settle in.

The new president added that he will leave it up to his mother-in-law to decide whether she will move into the White House.

"I don't tell my mother-in-law what to do. I'm not stupid," joked Barack, who will be inaugurated on Jan. 20. "That's why I got elected president, man."

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