President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama and their daughters Malia Obama and Sasha Obama leave the White House before boarding Marine One on the South Lawn. The First Family is traveling to New Mexico and tour Carlsbad Caverns National Park to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the creation of America’s national park system.
Alas, I’m life-long southern Californian (grew up in San Diego and in LA area now), but NM is one of my favorite states, have been to most areas there.
Hard to choose between red or green. Always favored green sauce in CA, but the red sauces made from Hatch NM peppers can’t be beat. So I guess I’m on the fence…
And Martin Heinrich seems like such a good, decent politician, am interested in his career. We need as many decent people on our side in Washington DC as possible.
Oh my goodness gracious me! Here I am weeping into my tea, I so love each of these people, for all the reasons they should be loved!! I smile to think we once worried just a bit, that Sasha might be the ‘short one’! Obviously she had no intention of that!! ❤️🌹🙏🏻🙏🏻🌹❤️ I hope they have a blissful, laughter-filled weekend, celebrating the finest of all Dads!!
What is interesting, Gov. Martinez (republican) was on hand to great our President. Good for her. When Donald Trump was in New Mexico a month or so ago at a campaign rally, she did not attend. She was “busy”. She is hispanic and I don’t believe she wants anything to do with Trump.
There’s lots of interesting Latino GOP politicians in the West (pro-choice Brian Sandoval of NV comes to mind), who, unlike the rest of their party are *sane.*
For who-knows-what-reason, Trump keeps saying publicly that Susana Martinez is a terrible Governor — how that helps him (even with his racist supporters) is beyond me.
Glad to see her there too, and to see that she and PBO had a meaningful conversation (unlike AZ’s bony-fingered Jan Brewer — man, I wanted to slap her upside the head when she wagged her finger at PBO — just infuriating, and one of the many bigoted reasons the GOP will nominate #DonTheCon to represent their party in Nov. Gag.
Venezuelan model and actress Alicia Machado says it took her many years to get over get over the abuse she suffered at the hands of Donald Trump when she was crowned Ms. Universe in 1996.
“He made me feel small,” she told ThinkProgress in Spanish. “He threatened me, treated me rudely. He called me ‘Ms. Housekeeping’ in front of his friends.”
Trump, then the owner of the beauty pageant, publicly mocked Machado for gaining weight and forced her to exercise in front of TV cameras. She said she was depressed and suffered from an eating disorder for several years as a result.
“He hates girls,” she said. “He considers girls to be less. We have another status, to him.”
Machado has lived in the U.S. for nearly 20 years now, and has a seven-year-old daughter who is a U.S. citizen. But she didn’t consider becoming a citizen herself until a few months ago, when Trump became the Republican Party’s presumptive nominee.
“It was like a great monster reappearing in my life,” she said. “In the beginning, I thought there was no way this loco will ever win. But after the primaries I realized I need to vote. I can’t invite my community to step up if I won’t do it myself.”
“In the beginning, I thought there was no way this loco will ever win. But after the primaries I realized I need to vote. I can’t invite my community to step up if I won’t do it myself.”
Oh yes there is a way that a “loco” could win. We here in America have a long and rich tradition for voting “locos’ into office.
NM Governor show up to greet the President and his family, but she didn’t have the time to show up when Trump visit NM. Sure Trump will never have anything good to say about her.
Completely irresponsible for MSM to allow Senators and Congresscritters to spout untruths without reminding person speaking/issuing statement of the facts:
Agreement to withdraw forces from Iraq happened during GWB Adm:
Worst part of this: McCain is still saying Obama decided to withdraw troops from Iraq. That's a damned lie https://t.co/lQXadGflCQ
Aloha TOD Ohana!
I’ve been MIA for a while, still lurking when I can. Love these photos of the First Family! Thank you Nerdy and all the BTs for keeping the lights on here. Big hugs and best wishes for Chips and familia, and the TOD DC travelers!
Okay, I’ve been searching for more info and photos of the Obama family trip to New Mexico (where I lived for 20 years and where I have family) and it’s the usual desert. Here’s a nice editorial from the Santa Fe New Mexican, the capitol’s main paper.
Sadly, it’s a tiny headline on a side column in the lower section of the website. I mean, really??!!
Does anyone know where the Obama family will be staying? I can’t think of anyplace in that general area that would be suitable. Hope they enjoy the magnificent caverns!
As you know from living there, Roswell/Carlsbad/Las Cruces area is more like west TX than NM, a world away from Santa Fe.
If the First Family will be in Yosemite tomorrow, they might spend the night in CA — shorter plane trip than the one they took from DC, and they’ll be flying west so they’ll pick up an additional hour in their day.
Here’s link to another video of the First Family’s arrival in Roswell. (Looks like the girls were warned that it’ll be COLD underground, so they changed out of their skirts to keep warm.)
Hi Arapaho!
It’s such a wonderful cavern, especially on a hot day 🙂
Maybe the family will just sleep on the plane. I can’t even think of where they might go to eat in Roswell. And I have eaten in Roswell many times.
I’m glad to see the governor showed up to greet the president. That’s a long way from Santa Fe, and you know her plane is what we used to call a ‘vomit comet’, bouncing around in the desert winds.
Love that the family is taking this vacation together!
Ahhh, here’s our answer. The First Family spending the night in Yosemite. What a wonderful evening for them, hope they get to spend some quiet time outside with no one (except for Secret Service, and Pete Souza [?], of course) around.
President & family have been visiting Carlsbad Natl Park in NM (he calls it"cool"); then Yosemite for the night. It's park system centennial
They are such a magnificent family. Beautiful that dad and daughter still hold hands… my 16 yr old son would go nuts if I held his hand :).. he does give me periodic surprise hugs now and then 🙂
If you get a chance, recommend visiting the Memorials at night, especially Vietnam Memorial. since you’re in a group, safety shouldn’t be a concern after dark.The Jefferson Memorial is like something out of Disneyland, with all the Memorials lighted up, reflecting on the Potomac. And the Vietnam Memorial is very moving at night — fewer crowds and very somber. When I was there I flipped through the book that lists all names on the Wall, and the vast majority were born in the 1940s and died in the 1960s, most in their teens or twenties. 😦
Yes. I sent you an email once we got back in from a day of touring. The restaurant couldn’t accommodate us because of our size until 9:00. I’m so sorry Gazelle.
You’re one block away from White House if you’re at Old Ebbitt Grill. Go take some photos or have dinner. We’ll be there at 9. Some of the group may not want to wait that long to eat, so part of the group may have dinner. They might eat prior and just join the group for drinks (and/or dessert) and good company. Still others may others may be too pooped to party after a day of sightseeing. Sure hope you’re up to joining us. Sorry for the mixup.
Thank you NerdyWonka for this splendid bouquet of pictures of our precious First Family, heading out to enjoy the great American Outdoors, the treasure of our National Parks, the company of each other and break from their everyday school year routine. The first and third ones, of PBO and Malia, and then of FLOTUS and Sasha, move me so much. So much love, connection, trust, memory, strength, intimacy, in these images. How do you do it? Thank you for doing it. You bless us and the world. Hoping that Ms. Chips and her mom are getting along in the best way things can go every day. I love TOD.
Had no idea PBO will be speaking tomorrow, what a treat!
Looks like the link in this tweet is a good place to keep an eye on for updates (time? Thankfully since the First Family is on PDT it won’t be at 6am for us west coasters).
Think everyone who has visited Yosemite valley has a snapshot from this scenic overlook:
Thanks Nerdy W. for this post. Enjoying our members of the TOD family in DC. Great group in the photo. Oh, to be there with the group and enjoy the fun. Thanks Chips for bringing such a great family together. Just think of all of the love, kind thoughts of goodness, prayers, and support we all have benefited from Chips efforts during our POTUS presidency. This brings tears to my eyes. Great indeed. Thank my dear
Chips. (((((((((((((((((( Love you so dearly)))))))))))))) Loving hugs and healing to you precious mother. () Prayers and thoughts coming your way.
I hope and pray that our First Family will have a beautiful time out our way. The most gorgeous First Family ever. Let us enjoy each moment that we have left in their travels and making history together.
It is very hot in Cali., today and we expect to have even hotter conditions for tomorrow. I am staying in and waiting for my great-niece to arrive on Tues. I am giving thanks for her visit. HZ
The Obama Diary 
Hey:) Love that they still hold hands
Me too! Isn’t that sweet?
Hello TODers. Lovely pics of the first family to start my day.
Gorgeous people 🙂
Love these! I am going to miss them.
In that first picture Malia looks like she is singing a happy song.
GA TODville.
I’m unreasonably excited about the First Family’s visit to the west! Nature girl at heart, love NPS!
NerdyW., THANK YOU for the gorgeous photos of the First Family as they depart the swamps of DC to the wonders of the west!
Oops, missed AF1 landing. 😦
Some girls above are tall!!!
Beautiful FIRST FAMILY!
I get a 404 error when I click on Knoller’s link, but good to know the street lights are still shaped like alien heads…
Huh.
http://www.rightwingwatch.org/content/we-now-have-6-years-donald-trump-s-tax-history-3-them-he-paid-no-income-taxes
Isn’t that amazing, and his followers will say never mind while some of them unfortunately live paycheck to paycheck and have to pay taxes.
Simply amazing….
Was wondering who would greet the First Family (was hoping that Meta and my fav Senator would be there, but no…).
And I’ll shamelessly take advantage of any opportunity to post pics/videos of NM’s junior Senator:
more…
One more photo…
Beautiful, Arapaho. Your Junior Senator isn’t, bad either.
Arapaho..are you from New Mexico? So am I!! Albuquerque, born and raised. Red or green?
I love Martin Heinrich, he is a good man,
GE Carla.
Alas, I’m life-long southern Californian (grew up in San Diego and in LA area now), but NM is one of my favorite states, have been to most areas there.
Hard to choose between red or green. Always favored green sauce in CA, but the red sauces made from Hatch NM peppers can’t be beat. So I guess I’m on the fence…
And Martin Heinrich seems like such a good, decent politician, am interested in his career. We need as many decent people on our side in Washington DC as possible.
Oh my goodness gracious me! Here I am weeping into my tea, I so love each of these people, for all the reasons they should be loved!! I smile to think we once worried just a bit, that Sasha might be the ‘short one’! Obviously she had no intention of that!! ❤️🌹🙏🏻🙏🏻🌹❤️ I hope they have a blissful, laughter-filled weekend, celebrating the finest of all Dads!!
Shoot. Now I need to have a backpack just like Sasha’s…
Can you tell I’m unreasonably excited about the First Family out west? (They’re setting foot in a place I’ve actually been! Swoon 🙂 ).
What is interesting, Gov. Martinez (republican) was on hand to great our President. Good for her. When Donald Trump was in New Mexico a month or so ago at a campaign rally, she did not attend. She was “busy”. She is hispanic and I don’t believe she wants anything to do with Trump.
There’s lots of interesting Latino GOP politicians in the West (pro-choice Brian Sandoval of NV comes to mind), who, unlike the rest of their party are *sane.*
For who-knows-what-reason, Trump keeps saying publicly that Susana Martinez is a terrible Governor — how that helps him (even with his racist supporters) is beyond me.
Glad to see her there too, and to see that she and PBO had a meaningful conversation (unlike AZ’s bony-fingered Jan Brewer — man, I wanted to slap her upside the head when she wagged her finger at PBO — just infuriating, and one of the many bigoted reasons the GOP will nominate #DonTheCon to represent their party in Nov. Gag.
REPLAY: First Family’s Arrival Roswell. http://www.newswest9.com/category/301253/newswest-9-live-streaming-video
http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2016/06/17/3789379/trump-machado-voting/
Venezuelan model and actress Alicia Machado says it took her many years to get over get over the abuse she suffered at the hands of Donald Trump when she was crowned Ms. Universe in 1996.
“He made me feel small,” she told ThinkProgress in Spanish. “He threatened me, treated me rudely. He called me ‘Ms. Housekeeping’ in front of his friends.”
Trump, then the owner of the beauty pageant, publicly mocked Machado for gaining weight and forced her to exercise in front of TV cameras. She said she was depressed and suffered from an eating disorder for several years as a result.
“He hates girls,” she said. “He considers girls to be less. We have another status, to him.”
Machado has lived in the U.S. for nearly 20 years now, and has a seven-year-old daughter who is a U.S. citizen. But she didn’t consider becoming a citizen herself until a few months ago, when Trump became the Republican Party’s presumptive nominee.
“It was like a great monster reappearing in my life,” she said. “In the beginning, I thought there was no way this loco will ever win. But after the primaries I realized I need to vote. I can’t invite my community to step up if I won’t do it myself.”
“In the beginning, I thought there was no way this loco will ever win. But after the primaries I realized I need to vote. I can’t invite my community to step up if I won’t do it myself.”
Oh yes there is a way that a “loco” could win. We here in America have a long and rich tradition for voting “locos’ into office.
hope so many more can register and vote
Great message, but totally INSANE activity!!!
Thank you, Jer, but that photo is horrifying. I don’t see any ropes. How on earth is he hanging on.
omg, I’m anxious just looking at the photo! Pure courage.
I see pictures of the first family and I feel a strong sense of warmth and comfort that something is very right in this world, and it shines in them.
Couldn’t agree more, Bill.
NM Governor show up to greet the President and his family, but she didn’t have the time to show up when Trump visit NM. Sure Trump will never have anything good to say about her.
I heard she had a “scheduling conflict”. 😉 Also heard same story about his TX visit because he wasn’t met there either. 😉😉. Lol.
Gorgeous women from TODVille!
On my way to see you lovely TODers! Should be there about 6:30pm, hope location hasn’t changed! So looking forward! 🙂
Oh honey, we’re meeting at Old Ebbitt Grill at 9pm
An incredible group of women, the heartbeat of TOD.
And I was one of them:)
I was also going to do that, but forgot. Will this weekend!
Thanks, J’OB! We need to get them ALL OUT!
GA/GE Allison.
Completely irresponsible for MSM to allow Senators and Congresscritters to spout untruths without reminding person speaking/issuing statement of the facts:
Agreement to withdraw forces from Iraq happened during GWB Adm:
Not to mention…
in response to Lindsey Graham:
Looking forward to Senator Kirkpatrick joining the Senate representing the great state of Arizona.
Graham, McCain, Trump are all the same. Liars.
Aloha TOD Ohana!
I’ve been MIA for a while, still lurking when I can. Love these photos of the First Family! Thank you Nerdy and all the BTs for keeping the lights on here. Big hugs and best wishes for Chips and familia, and the TOD DC travelers!
Okay, I’ve been searching for more info and photos of the Obama family trip to New Mexico (where I lived for 20 years and where I have family) and it’s the usual desert. Here’s a nice editorial from the Santa Fe New Mexican, the capitol’s main paper.
http://www.santafenewmexican.com/opinion/editorials/our-view-new-mexico-greets-the-first-family/article_3c81a0d7-ea89-521c-9f37-c3a6cfe9f838.html
Sadly, it’s a tiny headline on a side column in the lower section of the website. I mean, really??!!
Does anyone know where the Obama family will be staying? I can’t think of anyplace in that general area that would be suitable. Hope they enjoy the magnificent caverns!
GM Susanne, thanks for posting!
As you know from living there, Roswell/Carlsbad/Las Cruces area is more like west TX than NM, a world away from Santa Fe.
If the First Family will be in Yosemite tomorrow, they might spend the night in CA — shorter plane trip than the one they took from DC, and they’ll be flying west so they’ll pick up an additional hour in their day.
Here’s link to another video of the First Family’s arrival in Roswell. (Looks like the girls were warned that it’ll be COLD underground, so they changed out of their skirts to keep warm.)
Hi Arapaho!
It’s such a wonderful cavern, especially on a hot day 🙂
Maybe the family will just sleep on the plane. I can’t even think of where they might go to eat in Roswell. And I have eaten in Roswell many times.
I’m glad to see the governor showed up to greet the president. That’s a long way from Santa Fe, and you know her plane is what we used to call a ‘vomit comet’, bouncing around in the desert winds.
Love that the family is taking this vacation together!
Ahhh, here’s our answer. The First Family spending the night in Yosemite. What a wonderful evening for them, hope they get to spend some quiet time outside with no one (except for Secret Service, and Pete Souza [?], of course) around.
🙂
They are such a magnificent family. Beautiful that dad and daughter still hold hands… my 16 yr old son would go nuts if I held his hand :).. he does give me periodic surprise hugs now and then 🙂
These pictures are so sweet. 😊
Thanks Dudette and everyone in DC at TOD meet up.
If you get a chance, recommend visiting the Memorials at night, especially Vietnam Memorial. since you’re in a group, safety shouldn’t be a concern after dark.The Jefferson Memorial is like something out of Disneyland, with all the Memorials lighted up, reflecting on the Potomac. And the Vietnam Memorial is very moving at night — fewer crowds and very somber. When I was there I flipped through the book that lists all names on the Wall, and the vast majority were born in the 1940s and died in the 1960s, most in their teens or twenties. 😦
Not my photos but great anyway 😄
Help! Am at restaurant to meet TODers in DC, but can’t find them. Did location/time change?
Yes. I sent you an email once we got back in from a day of touring. The restaurant couldn’t accommodate us because of our size until 9:00. I’m so sorry Gazelle.
Did you cancel or are at another place?
No we are still going to the Old Ebbitt Grill its just that our reservation is at 9
I just sent you my phone number via email.
Thanks Donna, I’ll check. Didn’t get earlier email.
Can you wait for us. So sorry.
Trying to figure out if I can find something amusing to do & wait! I really want to meet!
Yay! Please do! We wanna see you!
TOD family hugs coming to ya! 😘
You’re one block away from White House if you’re at Old Ebbitt Grill. Go take some photos or have dinner. We’ll be there at 9. Some of the group may not want to wait that long to eat, so part of the group may have dinner. They might eat prior and just join the group for drinks (and/or dessert) and good company. Still others may others may be too pooped to party after a day of sightseeing. Sure hope you’re up to joining us. Sorry for the mixup.
No worries, going to get a libation, & meet you @ OEG @ 9pm. Have taken way too many pics of WH in past, they might start calling me “Stalkalicious”!
LOL!
I’m in back bar @ OEG, being picked up by airmen. 🙂
Update on the First Family’s travels (didn’t linger at the airport, LOL):
For those unfamiliar with the landscape of southeastern NM, here’s a short clip:
Sasha looks as tall as her Mom now. Wow!
Thank you NerdyWonka for this splendid bouquet of pictures of our precious First Family, heading out to enjoy the great American Outdoors, the treasure of our National Parks, the company of each other and break from their everyday school year routine. The first and third ones, of PBO and Malia, and then of FLOTUS and Sasha, move me so much. So much love, connection, trust, memory, strength, intimacy, in these images. How do you do it? Thank you for doing it. You bless us and the world. Hoping that Ms. Chips and her mom are getting along in the best way things can go every day. I love TOD.
Thank you so much, Nancie.
Wishing you a WONDERFUL weekend! 😀
I hope you guys are having fun.
We’re having a great time!
I love this. You all are really representing . 🙂
AAAWWWWWWW!!!!! SO awesome!
That is sooooooo kool!
All gurls party then? … oh wait…
Donna, thanks a lot for sharing these photos;
continue enjoying the blessing of being in the presence of each other
Brought tears to my eyes seeing everyone together. What a beautiful pic. After so many years you guys are like family.
Trust me pictures don’t do this beauty justice!!!!
I trust you donna dem 4 obama. Wish I was with you guys.
Donna and VC practicing for the “job”
OMG – Neither one of you lovelies would want to take the VP slot – how about one term as Prez each?
Donna, thanks a lot for the photos;
Great to see that you are having fun, together;
enjoy the blessings of all those with who you are sharing this precious time
Please don’t jump the fence, okay. 😉
Not me! My mama didn’t raise no fools! 😄
Orale vatos y vatas! Que onda?
Hope they enjoy their visit to Roswell,NM.
Breaking LL news: I have an interview to get on the promotion list this coming Thursday.
I hope things go your way.
All the best, LL.
Best wishes, LL!
Congratulations!
I hope and trust that you will get the promotion;
and when you do, please have a glass of pineapple juice for me => deliberately chose the more health option
Thanks JER!
Had no idea PBO will be speaking tomorrow, what a treat!
Looks like the link in this tweet is a good place to keep an eye on for updates (time? Thankfully since the First Family is on PDT it won’t be at 6am for us west coasters).
Think everyone who has visited Yosemite valley has a snapshot from this scenic overlook:
New post.
https://theobamadiary.com/2016/06/17/the-first-family-in-new-mexico/
DT is visiting Phoenix tomorrow. We have excessive heat advisory in effect for days…..not going to be pretty.
Thanks Nerdy W. for this post. Enjoying our members of the TOD family in DC. Great group in the photo. Oh, to be there with the group and enjoy the fun. Thanks Chips for bringing such a great family together. Just think of all of the love, kind thoughts of goodness, prayers, and support we all have benefited from Chips efforts during our POTUS presidency. This brings tears to my eyes. Great indeed. Thank my dear
Chips. (((((((((((((((((( Love you so dearly)))))))))))))) Loving hugs and healing to you precious mother. () Prayers and thoughts coming your way.
I hope and pray that our First Family will have a beautiful time out our way. The most gorgeous First Family ever. Let us enjoy each moment that we have left in their travels and making history together.
It is very hot in Cali., today and we expect to have even hotter conditions for tomorrow. I am staying in and waiting for my great-niece to arrive on Tues. I am giving thanks for her visit. HZ