PHOTOS: Obamas host bittersweet Easter Egg Roll at the White House
Calling the moment bittersweet, the president and first lady welcomed thousands of children to the White House Monday morning for the annual Easter Egg Roll.
President Barack Obama kisses first lady Michelle Obama after they spoke to the crowd during the annual White House Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House March 28, 2016 in Washington, D.C. The tradition dates back to 1878 when President Rutherford B. Hayes allowed children to roll eggs on the South Lawn.
By
MS NOW staff and
Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — Calling the moment bittersweet, President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama welcomed thousands of children to the South Lawn of the White House Monday morning for the annual Easter Egg Roll.
The egg rolling began in 1878. Now the event includes storytelling, musical performances and tips from professional athletes on how to play basketball, tennis and other sports. There are even cooking demonstrations and yoga. This year, the first lady added a fun run to the mix.
“I’m going to be running around the White House with a bunch of kids and any adults who feel like they can hang,” the first lady told the crowd Monday morning as the president jokingly signaled in the background that the run wasn’t for him.
The Obamas spoke from a balcony that overlooks the lawn with dogs Bo and Sunny and the Easter Bunny at their side.
More than 35,000 people received tickets that allow them to walk on the South Lawn of the White House, rain or shine. Fortunately, the sun broke through mid-morning after a night of scattered rain showers.
The theme of this year’s event is “Let’s celebrate.” The first lady said she wanted to celebrate families and the nation in what will be the couple’s last Easter in office.
“It’s our diversity. It’s our values,” the first lady said. “That’s what makes us strong.”
The fun run is intended to highlight the first lady’s “Let’s Move!” initiative, which focuses on reducing childhood obesity.
President Barack Obama kisses first lady Michelle Obama after they spoke to the crowd during the annual White House Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House March 28, 2016 in Washington, D.C. The tradition dates back to 1878 when President Rutherford B. Hayes allowed children to roll eggs on the South Lawn.Getty ImagesPresident Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama gesture as they read from the book “Where the Wild Things Are” during the annual White House Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House March 28, 2016 in Washington, D.C.First Lady Michelle Obama encourages a young girl while she participates in an activity that is part of the White House Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C., March 28, 2016.EPAYoung children roll Easter eggs on the South Lawn of the White House during the annual White House Easter Egg Roll March 28, 2016 in Washington, D.C.Getty ImagesGuests attend the annual Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C., March 28, 2016. Some 35,000 guests have been invited to participate in the 138th annual Easter Egg roll. The theme of the day’s event is Let’s Celebrate!AFP – Getty ImagesPresident Barack Obama lifts Stella Munoz into the air while greeting guests on the South Lawn of the White House during the annual White House Easter Egg Roll March 28, 2016 in Washington, D.C. Getty ImagesPresident Barack Obama laughs while playing tennis with children during the annual White House Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House March 28, 2016 in Washington, D.C.Getty ImagesU.S. President Barack Obama greets children gathered for the annual White House Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, March 28, 2016.Reuters
MS NOW staff
Associated Press
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