WASHINGTON (AP) — Turns out, the White House did
not get egged.
Trick-or-treaters marched up the White House
driveway on a wet, snowy Saturday, past the spider web-like gauze, the pumpkins
and the costumed actors to the mansion's north portico where President Barack
Obama and first lady Michelle Obama handed out treats, an annual tradition.
"What's this? Look at this guy," the
president said at the sight of one costumed child. "A headless man.
Terrifying!"
And yes, the sweets included signature boxes of
White House M&Ms, signaling a temporary respite from the first lady's
healthy eating campaign.
Dried fruit and White House baked cookies rounded
out the handouts.
Earlier this week, in an appearance on the
"Tonight Show," Obama joked to host Jay Leno that he had warned his
wife that if she wanted to avoid Halloween mischief she might want to dole out
more than just fruit and raisins.
"I told her the White House is going to get
egged if this keeps up," he said, suggesting that she might want to add
"a couple of Reese's Pieces or something."
In the spirit of compromise, a trait the president
often says is all too rare in Washington, the M&Ms made it into the goody
bags. Not exactly Reese's Pieces, but close enough. (Truth be told, the
M&Ms were included in the treats last year, too). The sweet dough butter
cookies were baked by White House Pastry Chef Bill Yosses.
The orange lights bathed the north portico as the
president in black fleece jacket and slacks and the first lady in an overcoat
greeted the parade of children. The Obamas were joined by the first lady's
mother, Marian Robinson.
All three wished their guests happy Halloween and
marveled at their costumes.
Commenting on the dank weather and nearly freezing
temperatures, Obama said to nearby reporters: "I know it's cold here, you
guys doing alright? It's not ideal out here."
Michelle Obama hugged several of the children and
even wrapped one shivering child with her overcoat, declaring, "Oh, she's
freezing!"
Actors from Washington-area theatres dressed as
ghosts, Winnie the Pooh, a Star Wars stormtrooper, Charlie Chaplin and more
greeted the children along the north lawn driveway.
Children from 17 elementary schools from Washington
and nearby Virginia and Maryland school districts were invited. Children from
the Boys and Girls Club of America and children from military families also
participated. Later, the children of military families were invited to a
Halloween party at the White House.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.
(AP
Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
