In the City of Brotherly Love
Monday, August 10, 2009 at 10:47 AM 
Image via Flickr user Schaffner / Creative Commons
For those curious about Mrs. O's most recent whereabouts, the first lady and her daughters did a bit of sight seeing in Philadelphia this past weekend. They began Saturday with a tour of the Betsy Ross house on Arch Street. The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that Malia Obama had written a school paper about Betsy Ross and was eager to see firsthand where the first American flag was sewn. While in Philadelphia, Mrs. O and her daughters also visited Independence Hall, and took in Isaiah Zagar's mosaic work on South Street.
We doubt the Os had time for shopping, though the famous Joan Shepp boutique or the lovely adresse must have been tempting.
Update #1: Mrs. O also stopped for gelato at Capogiro, reportedly enjoying a Chocolate Banana with Dark Chocolate treat.
Update #2: Click here for the sweetest story of 7-year-old Olivia D’Angelo touring the Betsy Ross house with the Obama girls.
Reader Comments (9)
I heard they also arranged a stop at Capogiro for some gelato for the girls!
What a wonderful way to get a hands-on lesson in history. Beautiful sights! :)
mrs. o would probably really like joan shepp's boutique.
In passing - One loses weight for personal reasons NOT because of others' comments.
It sets a great example when the Obamas take their girls to national monuments, parks and the like. Philadelphia is a terrific place for a family visit -- the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts also is worth a stop, especially for the architecture. And Capogiro is to die for. Not only for the gelato but for the coffee, as well!
It is really nice to see Mrs. O taking her daughters around and keeping them occupied and outside of the White House bubble. I'm sure things are very intense around there and the more she can keep them out and about, the better it is for their spirits.
In a few weeks it is back to school and that will mean school work, trips, sports, music, and other things to occupy their attention.
I can only imagine how fortunate Mr. and Mrs. O must feel with being able to have the world and many resources available to them and their kids, while at the same time living a very difficult lifestyle to raise balanced and adjusted children in.
I once saw an interview with Mrs. O that she did right after her DNC speech. In it, she stated that after the girls were up on stage and greeted by their dad on the screen, they went backstage and Malia was crying because she missed him. I wish I could find the video of that to make sure I am remembering it correctly.
Their world is such a blessing and a burden all at once.
It's great that Mrs. O is showing the girls the historic sights. It should serve as an idea and
example for parents to do the same. Let's get those kids up off the couch, away from the computer games and out to see the historic and beautiful spots of their hometowns.
Here is a link to the outfit that Mrs. O wore for this outing: http://photos.essence.com/galleries/michelle_obama_photo_blog#220911
Hmm. I hope the PR consultant for the Betsy Ross house rec'd permission from the board and staff to ask if her daughter could tour the house with the Obamas. Seems a bit forward to me.