March 5th, 2009
04:59 PM ET
14 years ago
A big surprise for the Obama girls
The President and first lady surprised their daughters with this new swing set which arrived at the White House on Wednesday afternoon. (Photo Credit: CHRIS KLEPONIS/AFP/Getty Images)
(CNN) - The Obama girls still don't have a puppy, but they did receive another surprise when they arrived home from school Wednesday– a brand new swing set.
A spokeswoman for First Lady Michelle Obama says Malia and Sasha, ages 10 and 7, "squealed with delight" when they saw their surprise, playing on the swing set for almost an hour in the chilly weather.
The girls' parents arranged for the play set to be installed Wednesday at the White House grounds, within sight of the Oval Office, before Malia and Sasha arrived home from Sidwell Friends school.
Sharon and Strong,
Get off the Internet and work harder and you might not be in your situation.
With the stock market going to hell and all the turmoil in the economy who cares about a swing set.
I am so glad that my tax dollars paid for a nice gift for those kids. Wonder what else my tax dollars go to... a new car, a new blackberry, maybe even something else for the first family that they dont need. Hey since obama is taxing people that make more than 250,000 i wonder if he is included since technically he gets 400,000 dollars a year for his job
louise~( mother and grandmother)
dont be mad because your fat lazy kids and granchildren never could play on a swingset. stay in your trailor and eat a donut.
The swing set is nice and all – but what about the DOG? We want our dog Pres. Obama – you promised! America is waiting. (seems like some typical parental bate and switch going on here).
Im glad for the girls getting a swing set,good for them,But Mr President,can you help a brother out!! I need a check to help out!!
Smart people take their kids to the park to play and get exercise. The Obama's can't do that. So lay off you right wing freaks and stop trying to find something bad about this. It is good that they find something the kids can do that is outside and gives them exercise. This is a good example they are setting.
That's very cool, but why is it news?
Awwwww how sweet!
Have fun girls!
Enjoy kiddos!
These girls are NOT too old for that swingset. Perhaps "going to the park" is a family tradition for the Obamas and this will provide much needed family time and physical activity in a very difficult and restrictive environment. CNN reported on it because it is interesting to those of us who have families and wonder how the Obama's parent and manage given the circumstances and security issues. If your family had received death threats wouldn't you do everything in your power to make HOME the safest and most fun place to be? Please TRY not to be ignorant and hateful. I know it is SO HARD for adults to be mature after your party loses. Leave the girls out of it and try to set an example!
I have no problem with this at all, but I do hope this was purchased by the Obamas, and not with taxpayer money. Why do I say that? Because there haven't been children this young at the White House since JFK....they don't need it there permanently.
If Obama's supporters have their way, Sasha and Malia will both have outgrown it by the time his Presidency comes to a close. If his opponents have their way, the girls will be 11 and 14....if not too old for it, awfully close. In other words, there's no sense it taking it with them when they leave, either.
That leaves one solution. When the girls have outgrown it, or the Presidency ends, they can donate it to a playground at a public school.
Let's remember that these are two little girls, and they deserve to have nice things. But these are also two little girls with very wealthy parents, and taxpayers shouldn't be footing the bill for this.
The Obamas show great parenting skills while also leading the free world.
It is great to see with all that is happening in there first 6 weeks as the 1st family .They still have their childrens best inerests at heart!
Ah....what a delightful surprise. Good for the Obamas. I hope this starts another trend – kids playing outside, getting excercise, instead of sitting in front of a screen playing let's kill that guy video games. This is just one more example of the Obamas modeling good parenting for the rest of the country. Thank you.
I hope The Obama Girls and their friends really enjoy the swing set.
Those kids must be immature for their ages. A swing set? when will they use their blackberries and ipods? Another silly show of normalcy by the white house. No one really cares–it just does not make sense,
The Obama's are helping to stimulate the economy. How about everyone else?
I think Grandma Louise needs a life. As a Grandma myself, I think it's great that the kids have a swing set – and they are NOT too old. You are never too old for a swing! Is it really news? No – but a feel good story about a beautiful family. Please Republicans – find someone your own age to pick on.
I cannot belive some of these comments.........Wasteful Spending? Are you kidding me........I swear, these people would eat their young.........What a bunch of misfits
It is sooo wonderful to have a couple in the White House that truly cares about kids, health and education and cares deeply about our service people!!!
Wow...What a Waste!
LOVE YOUR CHILDREN AND LET THEM BE CHILDREN BECAUSE THEY NEED YOUR LOVE AND NOT YOUR HATE AND ANGER.
First the kids don't have to attend school with the common people and now they don't have to go their playgrounds either!
To all you bitter OLD cry babies ..........
The Obama family PAID for this swing set ....... they PAID it.
God ... it is sooooooooooo good to see so many ugly people in this world! God Bless RUSH for that.
Great Job,,, I am so happpy for his girls. A little exercise and some escapism with that nice little fort. Now they can enjoy the upcoming spring wit their friends.
The economy got a little stimulous in the process. I hope they get one for Camp David also.
Watching his children play will keep him focused on this country and its children.