Early-Morning Dog Walks Fall to ... Michelle

Obamas tell kid patients of 26 trees; 'presents not under each one'

(NEWSER) - The first family—minus the president, but plus the first dog—talked about their first White House Christmas yesterday, but Michelle Obama wouldn’t spill any secrets on what’s waiting for Barack under the tree. Malia told patients at the Children’s National Medical Center about the 26 trees decorating her new home, but clarified that, “Unfortunately we don't get presents under every tree,” People reports. More»

Douglas fir from W. Virginia will decorate Blue Room throughout the holidays

(NEWSER) - The White House Christmas tree arrived today in traditional style: by horse-drawn carriage. Michelle, Malia, and Sasha Obama met the 18½-foot Douglas fir and the West Virginia couple who grew it, Eric and Gloria Sundback, at the North Portico. The nonstop chirping of camera shutters provided the soundtrack, USA Today reports. Asked whether this was the largest tree the family's ever had, the first lady replied, "Yeah, I think this wins." More»

(NEWSER) - President Obama will visit two national parks during a family trip to the Mountain West next week, the Denver Post reports. The first family will travel to to Colorado and Montana in addition to Wyoming, home of Yellowstone, and Arizona, where they'll see the Grand Canyon. More»

(NEWSER) - Dale Haney has been wrangling White House animals since 1976, but these days his responsibilities are much diminished, insiders tell US News & World Report. “He doesn’t see Bo as much because the girls and Mrs. Obama, the whole family, is taking care of Bo, so Dale has been demoted a bit,” a staffer says. “He misses the dogs.” More»

Bo Obama to be newest White House resident

(NEWSER) - The newest Obama will be named Bo, the Washington Post reports in the latest in a series of leaks about the Portuguese water dog the first family plans to introduce to an entranced nation Tuesday. The White House tried to keep a lid on puppy information, but a blog released a picture and interview (yes, an interview) with a dog that looks just like one pictured elsewhere with the family. More»