Monday 15 December 2014

Sasha and Malia are all smiles as they meet cute kids dressed as elves at fundraiser for sick children

That's more like it, girls! Sasha and Malia are all smiles as they meet cute kids dressed as elves at fundraiser for sick children

  • Obama and family were at  33rd annual 'Christmas in Washington' concert
  • The lavish fundraiser was in aid of the Children's National Health System
  • Comes a month after girls looked bored at Thanksgiving ceremony
  • They gave six former patients gifts, including a basket of children's books
  • Actor Dwayne Johnson, also known as 'The Rock,' hosted the event
  • Performers included Rita Ora, Aloe Blacc and Earth, Wind and Fire
Malia and Sasha Obama were the picture of charm and grace last night when they attended a charity Christmas concert on Sunday - in stark contrast to their demeanor at a Thanksgiving ceremony last month.
The 'First Daughters' joined their mother and father at the 33rd annual 'Christmas in Washington' concert on Sunday where they greeted a group of children dressed as elves.
Beaming from ear to ear, they laughed and joked with the six former patients of the Children's National Health System before presenting them with gifts including a basket of books. 
It comes a month after the sisters caused a national stir when they were pictured rolling their eyes and looking bored at the pardoning ceremony of the National Thanksgiving Turkey on November 26.
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Taken: Barack and Michelle's eldest daughter, Malia, seemed particularly taken by the children 
Taken: Barack and Michelle's eldest daughter, Malia, seemed particularly taken by the children 
Have you been a good President? Obama, his wife, Michelle, and daughters, Sasha and Malia, met six former patients of the Children's National Health System - a hospital for sick youngsters
Have you been a good President? Obama, his wife, Michelle, and daughters, Sasha and Malia, met six former patients of the Children's National Health System - a hospital for sick youngsters
Care for kids: The Children's National Health System is 140 years old and the 'premier provider of pediatric care in the region and the only freestanding children’s hospital between Philadelphia and Atlanta', says its website
Care for kids: The Children's National Health System is 140 years old and the 'premier provider of pediatric care in the region and the only freestanding children’s hospital between Philadelphia and Atlanta', says its website
After President Obama had pardoned four-month-old, 49-pound Cheese, he asked Malia if she wanted to pet the turkey, to which she sullenly replied, 'Nah'. 
As the photographs were beamed around the world, many observers slammed them for their behaviour, including GOP staffer Elizabeth Lauten who branded them 'classless' in an acerbic Facebook post. She was later forced to apologise for the attack.
But last night they were all smiles as they performed their duties alongside their parents at the fundraiser for sick children at the National Building Museum.
Before the concert, which included performances from Rita Ora and Earth, Wind and Fire, Obama, his wife, Michelle, and daughters, Sasha and Malia, laughed and joked with the kids and answered their questions, before presenting them with gifts - including a basket of books.
The six youngsters then posed for portraits with the first family.
'Fast and Furious' actor Dwayne Johnson, also known as 'The Rock,' hosted the concert and jokingly sang his own rendition of 'Deck the Halls.'
Other performers at the Christmas celebration included Christina Perri, Aloe Blacc and Earth, Wind and Fire. Obama bopped his head to Hunter Hayes' version of the Chuck Berry hit 'Run, Run Rudolph.' 
Books: After chatting to the children, the Obamas presented them with gifts, including a basket of children's books
Books: After chatting to the children, the Obamas presented them with gifts, including a basket of children's books
Say cheese! The six grinning youngsters, dressed as elves, then posed for portraits with the First Family
Say cheese! The six grinning youngsters, dressed as elves, then posed for portraits with the First Family
Hugs: British singer Rita Ora was among performers at the event, and received a hug from first lady Michelle while meeting the Obamas at the end of the evening
Hugs: British singer Rita Ora was among performers at the event, and received a hug from first lady Michelle while meeting the Obamas at the end of the evening
Thanks: Following the carols, Obama reminded guests that 'Jesus lived a life of peace, love, kindness and forgiveness' and urged them to follow his example before thanking servicemembers for their sacrifices
Thanks: Following the carols, Obama reminded guests that 'Jesus lived a life of peace, love, kindness and forgiveness' and urged them to follow his example before thanking servicemembers for their sacrifices
President Barack Obama, from left, and his daughters Malia Obama and Sasha Obama,  leave the stage at the conclusion of the taping of the annual 2014 Christmas in Washington presentation at the National Building Museum in Washington, which will be broadcast Friday evening on TNT
President Barack Obama, from left, and his daughters Malia Obama and Sasha Obama, leave the stage at the conclusion of the taping of the annual 2014 Christmas in Washington presentation at the National Building Museum in Washington, which will be broadcast Friday evening on TNT
Charming: They were all smiles at the National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony at the Ellipse near the White House in Washington last week too
Charming: They were all smiles at the National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony at the Ellipse near the White House in Washington last week too
Following the carols, Obama reminded guests of the reason for the holiday.
'Jesus lived a life of peace, love, kindness and forgiveness,' he said. 'During the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, may we all do our best to follow his example.'
Obama also thanked servicemembers for their sacrifices.
The concert will be broadcast Friday evening on TNT.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2873907/Obamas-holiday-spirit-benefit-concert.html#ixzz3M0kuwoVx
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