

Malia, 11, and Sasha, 8, played with Bo while they waited for their dad's helicopter to land on the South Lawn. When he finally arrived, all three ran across the lawn to greet Obama. Cuteness ensued.

Click through for more pics of the the Obama girls and their dad.
The College Survival Guide
A Fridge
Regardless of whether you have a wonderful sized meal plan, your fridge may come in handy with leftovers or when you feel like stocking it with bottled drinks.
Computer
The convenience of a computer is essential when sending your kids off to college. Forget the hike to the computer lab across campus students need a computer in the comfort of their room. A printer comes in handy as well. Depending on whether your child plans to carry his laptop around campus, you might opt for a desk top since they're lighter on the pockets.
Snacks
You will surely survive with off of a meal plan but it doesn't hurt to stock up on snacks when you don't feel like leaving your dorm room. Bottled water, pop corn, cereal and Ramen noodles are all low budget snacks to stock up on. Just be weary of the freshman 15.
Things from home
Some college students suffer from homesickness the first year. It's best to surround yourself with things like photos of the family, pillows or even stuffed animals. Anything that reminds your child of home.
MP3 Player
With all the stress that comes from school and exams, sometimes it's nice to block out the chaos in your life and even your roommate with music. It's nearly impossible to find students walking to class who aren't jamming to tunes.
Budget
Students who enter college often come in at the ripening age of 18. A great time for credit cards. Parents beware, your child may end up ruining their credit at a young age
Alarm Clock
When you're in college you don't have the luxury of getting awaken by your parents. It's now your responsibility to get to class on time so alarm clocks are a must. But keep your roommate in mind. You shouldn't wake him up ever morning with a blow horn alarm.
Cleaning supplies
Now you don't necessarily need to bring in the rubber gloves, mop and gas mask but it doesn't hurt to bring along Clorox all purpose wipes for spills or dust. Vacuums and brooms come in handy too depending if you have a carpeted dorm.
Bedding
What most parents aren't aware of is that most college beds are twin sized but extra long and require special sheets. When shopping keep your eye open for sheets that clearly state 'extra long' or else your child may come up short.
Shower shoes
You really don't know what some people do in the shower these days. College showers are known to be creeping with germs so spare yourself the fungus and purchase flip flops for the shower. You'll thank us later!


Comments: (445)
Add a comment
By: yayforbecky on 9/23/2009 6:16AM
Is it just me or is Malia very tall for an 11 year old girl?? Very cute pictures :-)
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: vj on 9/23/2009 6:28AM
I agree she's gonna be tall like her mom and dad
Report This
By: Sallie on 9/23/2009 8:06AM
I was thinking the exact same thing! Malia is tall! So are her mom and dad.
Report This
By: J on 10/01/2009 12:11AM
I wouldn't want my daughter sporting the same hair style as my dog.
She needs a new 'do.'
Report This
By: Mary on 9/23/2009 9:57AM
Looks like a photo-op set up. Notice the dog is on a leash. How do you play with a leashed dog? Just had to make sure the warmandfuzzy photo worked.
Report This
By: Charles on 9/23/2009 10:20AM
How pathetic we have become when we can't just look at family photos and appreciate family love. I always play with my dog on a leash so I can more easily catch her when she decides to run off or get a little crazy. An examination of our own life and purpose would be more beneficial than making photo op judgements about two little girls excited about seeing thier dad.
Report This
By: Julia on 9/23/2009 11:03AM
My ALMOST 11 year old daughter is 5 feet 1 inch. She's on the taller side of average for her age, with girls shorter and taller than she. Malia may be on the taller side of average? I'm 5'4" and my husband is 5'11".
Report This
By: Teresa on 9/23/2009 11:31AM
I am a die hard Conservative Republican but I can say that the Obamas are a very handsome family and there is no room for negative words when it comes to anyones children.
Report This
By: dejeve on 9/23/2009 12:11PM
google 'Democrats nix putting pre-vote health bill online'
........be aware of what the democrats are trying to do and call your representatives to demand that they post the bill!!!! They don't want the American people to know what's in the bill before they vote because they are afraid we wont want what they're giving us!!!!
Report This
By: Cinderella on 9/23/2009 12:15PM
The dog was on a leash because there is a helicopter landing nearby.
Report This