WASHINGTON (CNN) – The Obamas celebrated their first spring at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue on Monday by hosting one of the oldest presidential traditions - the annual White House Easter egg roll.
More than 4,000 area schoolchildren were estimated to take part in the festivities on the White House South Lawn, which kicked off with a joint appearance by the first family and the Easter bunny on the residence's famous Truman Balcony.
"This is one of our greatest White House traditions, because it reminds us that this is the people's house," President Barack Obama told the crowd.
Watch: President Obama hosts the White House Easter egg roll
"To see so many children out here having a great time just fills Michelle and myself and our entire family with a whole lot of joy."
The president later read the children's classic "Where the Wild Things Are" to approximately 40 kids.
Attendees rolled eggs on the South Lawn and played basketball and four-square on the White House tennis court, among other things.
The Easter egg roll dates to 1878 as an annual celebration of the start of spring, according to the White House Web site.
From CNN Politics
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"This is one of our greatest White House traditions, because it reminds us that this is the people's house,"
Oh, Glenn Beck/Harold Hill and his socialist conspiracy theorists are going to have a field day with that one...
I love when the President refers to the White House as the Peoples House.
I am SURE that this years Easter Egg roll was MUCH better than the ones held during the Bush years. The Obama's have better eggs, grass and even bunnies than the Bushes. All of the eggs were pure gold because the Obama's picked them out. I just wish that I could be as perfect as they are.
Why is the president having fun and the ecomony is in a mess? Come on haters let's hear it!
Awh,
Everything is wonderful and fine at the White house. The liberal media focuses and plays nice to this administration. If it were a republican, they would be digging up the dirt. Let's dig and find something. Socialism at the expense of hardworking taxpayers.
Love that photo! The late night comics are writing ear jokes at this very moment.
This Obama family really gets it... President Obama, you will make history as one of the USA greatest presidents. Keep up the hard work and the high path. Rush Limbaugh, Glen Beck, Lou Dobbs, and all these right wing should be biting their own tongues as they're mad to see you succeeding.
Adorable. I just love how Obama realizes that he is in his position for the people, not for himself.
This was so beautiful, I enjoyed watching it on TV. The First Family is truly an "American Treasure". They are "walking the walk" when it comes to inclusion, family values and community support and awareness. They are representing our country HONORABLY and with so much grace and class! Love it
GOD BLESS OUR FIRST FAMILY, may they continue to forge new paths and reach new horizons that encourage us as a Country to be more patient, compassion and tolerate of each other!!
Oh I'm sure the right wingers will holler about this somehow – "Muslims don't celebrate Easter! " etc. If all the children get eggs it's socialism!! The white house is being taken over by children!!!
If you'll excuse me, I'm gonna go enjoy the economy that Obama has been fixing.
I wonder if the children at Obama childrens' school were invited. As Obama threw out a bunch of children by denying funding to poor families, he may have been embarassed to invite those kids to the White House.
The Easter Bunny is cute and he seems to be all ears. Pity he cannot join the administration!
Naysayers and haters couldn't possibly say anything negative about this....It's Easter for cryin out loud!
The kids from down the block were invited, not just kids with parents in high places.
Change has come America... get used to a president that realizes it is "The People's House".
Shouldn't kids be in school today?
I loved when our President stooped to help a small child roll her Egg
What could be ,more precious ?
BonBon
This is a clear sign that Palin will defeat Obama in 2012.
The media is stupid to cover something that does not help the economy. If anyone says something against Obama, the media was going to say "why not focus on the economy instead of taking on Obama", yet the media is focus on this stupid stuff and an ugly dog at the White House.
What a great first family!
Is that Easter Bunny bowing to the President? Aint that against Protocol?
Or is it just inapproprate touching by the President?
LoL
I can't believe there are people with serious problems about such a harmless activity as the White House Egg Hunt.
OK, I can't resist. Did he bow to the Easter Bunny?
Way to go President Obama! I love it! and a comment to WABBIT it's obvious you're a hater! Just remember the BUSH ADMINISTRATION got us into the economical mess NOT OBAMA!
It really is unbelievable to me that people can take something as terrific as this event and turn it into something political. Can we not give it a rest? These are children and their families enjoying a wonderful event and creating memories that will last a life time. Save the polical commentary for an appropriate issue. At least give the Obama's credit for opening up the People's House and sharing their joy of children with the country. Not every action has a hidden agenda.
It's an Easter egg roll, for crying out loud, not policy decisions. But we, the people, need to see a light-hearted gesture from our leaders once and a while. It does take away some of the sting of the economic crisis and ongoing wars in the Middle East.
KEEP UP THE WORK FOR THE PEOPLE, MR. PRESIDENT AND FAMILY!!!
Seems like the children had lots o fun!!!