BETHESDA, Md. (AP) — Michelle Obama said Monday she is shining a light on military families who are her heroes and a medical facility that treats them as she gives thanks during an early Easter celebration.

The first lady visited the Fisher House at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center as families decorated Easter cards.

She thanked the Fisher House for providing military families with "a home away from home" during tough times. The foundation gives free temporary housing to military and veterans' families while their loved ones receive medical care. It has served more than 200,000 families since 1991.

Mrs. Obama was accompanied by first dogs Bo and Sunny, as she handed out cookies made by the White House pastry chefs in the shape of the Portuguese water dogs and the White House.

The first lady entertained the youngsters as she greeted families at each table, with one baby decorating her face with floral stickers. Mrs. Obama exclaimed, "Alright, you're going in," as another tot tore the wrapping paper off his Sunny-shaped cookie and immediately took a bite with the black icing turning his mouth purple.

She also brought tickets for the families to attend next Monday's annual White House Egg Roll.