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White House Easter Roll: Sunny Skies, Hot Temps, A Bunny and Bo

Aw, Spring.   

The time of year when the White House boasts beautiful flowers of all types in its garden, and where thousands of kids come to play and hang out with the First Family during the annual Easter Egg Roll, a tradition that started in 1876 by then President Rutherford B. Hayes.

President and First Lady cheer on youngsters during the annual White House Easter Egg Roll.  Photo/CD Brown.

Kids near and far attended the traditional rolling of the Easter egg down the White House lawn (with a spoon) as did as a few celebrities to boot.   Even Department of Transportation Secretary, Ray LaHood braved the long lines of kids and parents, bringing with him his two grandchildren.

Rising rock star Willow Smith performed a few of her hits, while Colbie Caillat got things started by singing the National Anthem.  Weather guy Al Roker was on hand at one of the cooking stations preparing crepes with Mrs. Obama and 'Live With Regis and Kelly' talkshow host, Kelly Ripa.   Her handsome husband, Mark Consuelo, participated in a children's reading of 'Robot Zot'.  Speaking of husbands, Kimora Lee Simmons bought along her former and present husbands, and kids of both, to enjoy the festivities.  Actor, and DC Native, Jeffrey Wright brought along a couple of kids for the amusingly fun time as well.

The President participated in several exercise stations, part of the First Lady's Let's Move! initiative, including the basketball station (not surprising since the President loves the sport) with members of the Harlem Globetrotters.  The Commander In Chief also participated at the tennis station where he was photographed serving a tennis ball between his legs, Rafael Nadal style.  
The First Family also read to a group youngsters with First Dog Bo in tow.

"Everybody likes to read?   We've got some great readers in our family", said the President before his two daughters began to read Where The Wild Things Are.   Mrs. Obama and the President read from a book that Sasha and Milia were read to as small children called Chicka-Chicka-Boom-Boom.

Celebrating Easter just wouldn't be complete without a Sunday church service.  The First Family attended Easter services at the historic Shiloh Baptist Church.

Related
History of the White House Easter Egg Roll
Facts About the 2011 Easter Egg Roll
Time Mag's Top Ten Things You Didn't Know About Easter

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