WASHINGTON: Nine days after their dad and mom were shown around the White House, Malia and Sasha Obama got their first glimpse of their new rooms in the palatial presidential mansion here.
The future First Kids - Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7 - went to the White House with their mom Michelle Obama and grandma Marian Robinson at First Lady Laura Bush's invitation to see their would-be abode.
Bush twins Barbara and Jenna helped lead the way, "and they enjoyed showing their rooms to the Obama girls," White House spokeswoman Sally McDonough said following the hour-long sneak preview of the 132-room mansion on Pennsylvania Avenue.
On November 10, Michelle Obama and Laura Bush toured the residence and associated living space while President-elect Barack Obama and President George W Bush met in the famous Oval Office.
The visit came as Michelle Obama brought the girls to Washington to check out schools.
Malia and Sasha would likely bunk in the East and West bedrooms, 'New York Daily News' quoted Claire Whitcomb, author of "Real Life at the White House" as saying.
The East, or "Yellow," Bedroom has been the sanctuary of First Daughters Caroline Kennedy, Amy Carter and Chelsea Clinton. The West, or "Blue," Bedroom hosted John F Kennedy Jr and was Amy Carter's playroom and Ronald Reagan's gym.
The bedrooms are connected by a closet hall featuring a window where one of Obama's political idols, Abraham Lincoln, gave his last public address.
"Mrs Obama greatly appreciated this invitation to provide an opportunity for the girls to feel at home and be comfortable in this transition process," said Obama spokeswoman Katie McCormick Lelyveld.
The White House is a child's paradise, with a movie theatre, half a basketball court and a pool.
