OK ... this is the photo that gives me a HUGE grin. Swingers at the White House.

[TahitiNut]

:D :D :D :D

[Javaman]

1. I'm glad there are kids and just a general feeling of happiness in the WH again.

instead of stinky old man farts. LOL

[TechBear_Seattle]

2. It is good enough to see the kids having fun, but mom too...

That is just so great. Really, could you imagine Pickles, Hil, Babs or any other recent First Lady doing something like this, much less where a photographer might catch her at it?

[TahitiNut]

5. Yup. That's it. Michelle joins in the fun, wearing comfy levis frayed at the cuffs.

That's indicative of what I LOVE about her ... REAL ... and keeping it real for her daughters. It just pulls at my heart ... big time.

[havocmom]

33. Thought they were frayed too, but could it be a fake furry cuff on top of her boots?

Got to looking and think that is the boot top.

Love the picture! The world would be a better place if EVERYBODY took some time to swing and 'be little' a few minutes each day. Joy is a resource beyond measure!

[TahitiNut]

42. I suppose that could be. It's clear she's wearing comfy clothes, cloth coat, walking shoes/boots ..

... and (probably) denims. She just models so MANY of the (superficial and not) attributes I like in a PERSON ... especially of the female kind. I'm just not comfortable with folks that're "wrapped too tight" and strongly prefer the company of folks ready to play, take chances, do new things, meet new people, explore, and get on all of LIFE's rides. Michelle seems to manifest those qualities I respect most.

What can I say? I'm in love with those three females. :loveya:

[havocmom]

That woman is probably one of the best things to happen to this country in eons!

If seeing her and the girls keeps him on task to make this world better, that is just the cherry on top of the sundae!

She is a life force to appreciate. A real human. I am in love with these three females too. They are such good energy.

[Warpy]

3. The First Lady will catch a lot of flak

for those raggedy old jeans from tight ass Republicans who think she needs to wear white gloves and heels when she's playing with her kids.

I think that photo is perfectly charming.

[Captain Hilts]

7. This one did...

For being seen playing on the WH swingset.

[damonm]

47. Then I daresay

Michelle will be in SUPERB company!

[Captain Hilts]

48. Indeedy do. It's not where you are that's important, but whom you're with.

People were horrified to hear that ER and her daughter - big girls both - had been seen on the swing.

[Gregorian]

10. I love it. You're so right.

It's perfect. The funny part is, she's enjoying it more than they are.

Let's just enjoy this moment. Like truth and beauty.

[NMDemDist2]

15. I think the jeans are tucked into the boots and the white is the boot lining

but I get what you're saying

:hi:

[WorseBeforeBetter]

43. Jeans-gate! The foot-gear looks like lined duck boots from J. Crew...

L.L. Bean, or Eddie Bauer.

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=&imgrefurl=http://fashiontribes.typepad.com/main/2005/10/jcrews_bromley_.html&usg=__knWnr2D6vM2ox38xpQRlY01cVBs=&h=610&w=499&sz=40&hl=en&start=16&um=1&tbnid=NUXDh6-JXBkEUM:&tbnh=136&tbnw=111&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dj.%2Bcrew%2Bboots%26hl%3Den%26um%3D1

And how sad that I took the time to Google it. I can just hear some breathless newsbunny waxing indignant about the "frayed" jeans.

[FedUpWithIt All]

32. Now that the tight ass republicans no longer have a squatter in that House...

I don't give a **** what they think.

[treestar]

39. Disrespecting the WH lawn!

:rofl:

I agree it is adorable. Kids swinging - always cute.

[Captain Hilts]

4. Awesome - I want to be there!

[TahitiNut]

Tell me about it. I'd be first in line.

Puppy pile! :grouphug:

[Captain Hilts]

12. No! I'M first!

[TahitiNut]

64. One of the best things about posting a thread like this ...

... is easily getting to look again at the photo as I respond to replies in the thread. It's cheering me up, hour after hour. So far, this is, for me, THE iconic photo for the breath of fresh air that's renovated our White House. For eight years I've detested the vermin inhabiting that house ... and I'm now feeling it's being used rightly.

[Belial]

6. Print this and pass it around to all the the people

in the unemployment lines.. I am sure it will make all their troubles go away..

[firedupdem]

Why? She can't play with her kids because people are unemployed? n/t

[Captain Hilts]

11. Take a hike. nt

[Belial]

14. Sorry.. being a realist today.. Sister just got laid off this week

but if you want to get all giddy.. knock yourself out..

[NMDemDist2]

19. we learned to find joy where we could during *

it's a good habit to cultivate

sorry about your sis :hug:

[Belial]

28. Thank you.. I am sorry.. I am pissy today.. maybe I should log

off and come back later.. I don't want to be a downer for everyone.. sigh

[NMDemDist2]

29. yeah, take a break and go enjoy nature

or your pets or kids or even a good book or movie and escape for a while

re-charge your batteries and do something nice for your sis

things will get better, Obama is working his arse off to make it so

:pals:

[Captain Hilts]

31. Hang tough! nt

[Captain Hilts]

22. I'm unemployed and it has nothing to do with a swingset on the WH lawn. nt

[prolesunited]

23. Sorry for that

But I've been laid off for six months now and I enjoyed a walk with my husband and the dog yesterday. Should I hang my head in shame?

Life sucks right now, but I refuse to stop living and taking joy in the simple moments. That's the only thing that's going to get you through.

[Missy Vixen]

24. My husband got laid off November 17th

I can still take joy in seeing Michelle Obama playing with her kids.

I'm also sure her husband is hard at work figuring out how the White House can help put people back to work as soon as possible.

[firedupdem]

26. Just your sister? Consider yourself lucky. Half my family is laid

off or underemployed. :eyes:

[FedUpWithIt All]

36. I am sorry about your sister.

:hug:

I don't think that excitement over the very down to earth Obama family needs to be seen as offensive. If fact i think this picture should inspire a feeling that is quite the opposite.

The Obamas' are playing on a swing set. I think it is a rather human thing to do. She is in a pair of jeans and playing with her babies. Perspective. She is not waving at us little people from a yacht and wearing a diamond tiara.

[havocmom]

38. Hope your sister's attitude is better than yours

or she will REALLY have trouble getting the next job.

Look, lots of people are unemployed and scared as hell, but that is the time finding joy in simple things is MOST IMPORTANT. You don't have to spend a wad of cash to smile. Just go to a park for a few minutes and jump back in time. Does the soul a world of good, and makes problems much easier to deal with in a constructive AND CREATIVE manner.

Try it.

I am glad we have a First Lady smart enough to know that. And her husband taking time off for a game and a beer is fine too. Balance is a better way to take care of business.

Find some balance.

[treestar]

40. So the first family should go around looking glum?

The economy will get worse if everyone does that.

It's a state of mind, spiraling down into depression.

[grace0418]

59. So what? I got laid off in December. Being a realist doesn't mean you have to be miserable or expect

everyone else to be miserable all the time. In fact, I find this picture rather inspiring. Our First Lady is enjoying a simple pleasure with her children. We all need to take time for that.

[merh]

67. We didn't elect her president

she isn't the one dealing with the nation's issues - she is raising her daughters - swinging on the swings is an inexpensive form of entertainment - I guess she could have put then on Air Force 1 and flown them to Disney World or something. :eyes:

[DearAbby]

71. The Joy you have in

playing with your babies is FREE...take a bath, take a free moment of joy for yourself. It's one of the things the GOP can't steal from us.

The photo inspires me, we have so much wealth in our lives, the simple things...I am going to call my (grown) babies and tell them I love them, its free...and maybe giggle too.

[WorseBeforeBetter]

30. That's actually good advice for anyone who is unemployed.

If they're physically able to hike, that is. It provides exercise, fresh air, sunshine and a great way to gain perspective.

[DKRC]

16. Hell I play with my kid when I'm unemployed

The 1st lady playing with her kids when I'm unemployed isn't an insult.
The picture brought a smile to my face this morning.

[TechBear_Seattle]

17. I wasn't aware that the First Lady and her children were official parts of government

And should be "doing something serious" in the face of national problems.

Now, kindly blow off.

[prolesunited]

18. What should she be doing to resolve unemployment?

You do realize that she's already worked in soup kitchens and gone to schools to read to kids. How about passing out those photos as well?

And, for people who are hurting, it's a good message that you can find joy not only in taking the kids to Disney World, but just taking the time to swing with them in the back yard or at the park.

[TahitiNut]

20. You might consider changing the brand of urine you pour on your morning cornflakes.

:eyes:

[tabbycat31]

25. the swingset was made in America

and purchased from an American company, so the Obama family did their part to at least keep a few people employed.

[Muttocracy]

76. that makes it even better! :)

[WorseBeforeBetter]

34. Are you suggesting that two little girls should be denied "swing time"...

with their Mom because of failed economic policies dating back to at least Reagan, and accelerated under GWB? I'd suggest more folks get out and swing, providing their public parks have been kept up. I've been unemployed and got some form of exercise just about every day -- I'd suggest others do the same to help keep their sanity. Swinging included.

Michele has volunteered at soup kitchens, schools and libraries... Do you offer your praise then or just take a swipe when convenient?

[havocmom]

41. If more people went to the park to swing, more parks would be kept up

And we might teach kids that one doesn't have to spend a chunk of money to have some smiles, experience a few minutes of absolute joy and make some lovely memories.

Yeah, some piss bunny will point out that the swing set on the WH lawn did cost a chunk of change. But the Secret Service probably insisted on that over trips to the park for these particular Americans. The rest of us have the freedom to just go to a park, a school playground, or a tire hanging under a big ol tree.

Playing with her girls out in fresh air is a good thing and does serve a national purpose too. Not enough people go outside and just play with the kids. Time well spent, for so many reasons.

[WorseBeforeBetter]

50. Hell, I want to see Obama out there.

I'm fortunate to have lived in areas with excellent public parks -- "communist" Northern Virginia and The Triangle (NC). People EXPECT them.

One of the great joys of living in the DC area is the bike path along the river from DC to Mt. Vernon. It's not very realistic, but that would be a fun Obama family outing, with lunch in Old Town Alexandria! Maybe King Street Blues for the kids:

http://www.kingstreetblues.com/

[havocmom]

51. I figure it is only a matter of time before he is out there with the kids.

Better to swing out with kids than on a golf course with fat cats ;)

[WorseBeforeBetter]

53. Yeah, not a fan of golf with the fat cats.

Does Obama even golf? I see him more at a Fairfax County public golf course than some snooty country club. Hope he keeps up the basketball with Mayor Fenty and whomeover else -- anything to help him keep his sanity!

[seabeyond]

45. wtf.... so all parents, even those in line, are not to play with children ever again

until there are no people in unemployment line. i bet some parents in that line were palying with kids. interacting, connecting, bonding with children cost nothing, means everything..... for FREE. it goes over every racial line, social economic line..... it is all of us

what a pathetic post and poor poor effort to demean first family

[Vickers]

58. Why the fuckknobbishness?

:shrug:

[Lochloosa]

60. Just to chear you up. Someone sold that to him. Someone made it.

Two Jobs

[TahitiNut]

62. Someone delivered it. Someone assembled it.

Two more jobs.

[Rage for Order]

77. One of the perks of being POTUS

Someone else will actually assemble all the kids toys for you! Wouldn't that come in handy around birthdays and Christmas!!! :)

[crikkett]

65. nice of you to come join the fun.

I'm sorry your life is so dreary and awful that you can't appreciate the beauty of happy children at play.

On edit: I read upthread that your sister just got laid off. My brother was laid off several weeks ago, so I may understand the worry you're experiencing.

I hope you have a great weekend and find something beautiful to lift your spirits.

:hug:

[DKRC]

8. Great picture!

:fistbump:

[Heidi]

9. This is lovely.

Thank you, TahitiNut. Made my day. :thumbsup:

Recommended.

:kick:

[FudaFuda]

13. That's a wonderful thing to see.

I'm not liking EVERYTHING the admnistrations been doing so far in terms of cabinet appointments and handling of the econonic crisis, but I believe the Obamas are a genuine family with real love for their children. That's enough for me to support this President over any of the garbage that also reached for the prize.

[robinlynne]

21. beautiful!!!

[bdamomma]

27. looks like they are having a blast.

good for them, let those girls be girls. and Mom looks like she is having fun too.

[TahitiNut]

37. Imagine the sound of their laughter heard from the Oval Office.

:rofl: The Prez would be out there in a second. I hope.

[Cronus Protagonist]

35. FANTASTIC!!

That warmed the cockles of my heart.... and I didn't even know I HAD cockles in my heart! :)

[peacefreak]

44. I like the picnic table in the background, too.

Just because they live above Dad's work doesn't mean that they can't have a backyard & a place to play. The White House IS the People's House & I'm pleased that the Obama's are making it a happy, approachable place.

[TahitiNut]

46. I see mid-afternoon snacks, playing with the puppy, and quality time for the Obama clan.

When the weather turns warmer and the sunshine is out, I see them replenishing their Vitamin D and letting dad take a needed break ... and slowing down the gray hairs. Clearly, West Wing staffers will have their days brightened by this small addition to the White House lawn.

[badgerpup]

49. I remember playing on a swing set...it's FUN.

Seeing just how high can you go...pump harder...can you swing so high that the chains go past the horizontal?
I was never quite able to do so...
And the way the air and the forces feel as you go back...and forth...

And the dismount's an artform too...slowing down just enough and picking the *right* point in the arc to FLY outta the sling- here it comes...

HIT the ground, bend the knees to take up the shock...TA DA!:applause:

...straighten up and walk off like it's no big thing...and that your feet aren't saying some very pointed things to you about gravity, velocity, and you acting the fool... :P

As long as it looks good, it IS good, right? :hi:

[havocmom]

52. I am pushing 60 and still have dreams of playing on the swings

the air in my hair, no worries.... it is one of the ways my resting mind takes much needed vacations. And I ALWAYS wake feeling especially good and positive.

[SmileyRose]

54. Stop dreaming start doing.

If you are physically able, go find a park on Saturday afternoon and have a ball. Take a friend, your grown kid or even their grown kid - or something. I'm just short of 50 and still enjoy the swings. I had to look around to find the park with swings for big kids. Sometimes I go by myself, sometimes with another adult, sometimes with kids.

Just do it!! (If you can)

[havocmom]

57. Frozen or mud that sucks you in up to your knees (& I have long legs) still around here

AND the local brats of high school age slashed up the swings three years ago. Not a fun town and too small to afford fixing. If I had a big enough tree, I would have a swing in the yard.

[TahitiNut]

56. In the warm weather around here, I (age 65) go play Frisbee golf with the teens and 20-somethings.

The parks with Disc Golf ALSO have the swings and slides for the single-digit set. That's when I play "dirty old man" and go sit and watch the rug rats as their moms deal with worry about scrapes and cuts. If the swings are idle, I'll sneak over and warm 'em up.

:evilgrin: "Does this swing make my butt look fat?" :silly:

(It's sure not California - {SOB! :cry: } - but I'll exploit all the 'warm' I can.)

[azmouse]

55. Malia looks so much like her mom in that pic.

What a great family. :)

[TahitiNut]

69. Yup. Except for that missing deciduous #6, of course. She's gorgeous.

They're ALL hug magnets. (Sasha pulls at my heart the most, though. She owns me.)

[ebdarcy]

61. That is a kick-ass swing set.

Good for the girls. I loved the swing set I had as a kid.

[TahitiNut]

70. Well, he could have gone all ostentatious on us and put this one in ...

"Supersized Sunshine Castle Package III Loaded"


Or even THIS one ...


"Supersized King Kong Castle Package V Grand Slam"


Or EVEN THIS ONE ...


"Supersized Monster Double Whammy Fully Loaded Blockbuster"



... but I figure $3,500 is ENOUGH to spend one something like that. (Call me stingy.) :shrug:

:rofl: :rofl:

[TBF]

63. It's so great for those girls that Michelle is so grounded. She's a fantastic first lady. n/t

[marew]

66. I love it.

The Obamas are great parents. Those girls are really lucky and I am sure they will grow up to be the same caring wonderful parents their parents are!

[omega minimo]

68. Nice one, TN. Thanks for the bright spot.

:hi:

[slipslidingaway]

72. That's a great picture, thanks for posting :) n/t

[Stinky The Clown]

73. Dontcha love it? I know I do!

[TahitiNut]

74. It just doesn't get old for me. I get all grinned and giggled each time I look at it.

It's so honest and simple. No pretense or duplicity. Love it.

[Stinky The Clown]

75. I suspect this good feeling is not without some connection to the past ......