Flights of Flotus: Michelle Obama in Motion, July 13–18
Michelle Obama travels to New York and Philadelphia.
1 / 9
How Michelle Obama Spent Her Week - First Lady Michelle Obama knows how to both play hard and work hard. She spent the weekend with her daughters in the Big Apple, where they enjoyed three Broadway shows, celebrated the nation's top designers and started blogging about the presidential campaign and the president's bid for re-election. Obama also is holding a contest for supporters to win an opportunity to celebrate her husband's 51st birthday at their home in Chicago. Bon chance! – Joyce Jones (Photo: AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
2 / 9
New Moves - The first lady traveled to Philadelphia with Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius on Wednesday to announce new public- and private-sector commitments to her Let's Move! initiative. They were joined by several mayors from various states who were in town for the U.S. Conference of Mayors meeting, supporting the program through Let’s Move! Cities, Towns and Counties. (Photo: AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
3 / 9
Blogger in Chief - Obama has started writing for BlogHer, the women's media site she contributed to during the president's first White House bid. In a July 17 entry, titled "Four Years Later," the first lady says that the words she wrote about her husband back then fill "her with pride, because they show that Barack kept his promises. He said he'd have the backs of American women and our families. And that's what he's done every single day as president." (Photo: Courtesy Facebook)
4 / 9
Happy Birthday, Mr. President - President Obama turns 51 on Aug. 4 and the first lady has sent a fundraising email to supporters inviting them to donate $3 and be automatically entered into a contest to join the first couple at their Chicago home for a birthday celebration/campaign event. "We'd like to give grassroots supporters an opportunity to join in the fun," she wrote. "You guys deserve it, and I know Barack would personally love to see you there." (Photo: Kristoffer Tripplaar-Pool/Getty Images)
5 / 9
Missing the Buss - The first couple was caught on a "kiss cam" when they went to see the Team USA men's basketball team play at Washington's Verizon Center. When the president leaned in to kiss his wife, she demurred, causing the crowd to boo. They got a second chance during the second half, and prodded by daughter Malia, the couple complied, to which the crowd responded with chants of "four more years!" (Photo: AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
ADVERTISEMENT
6 / 9
Hongera, Madiba - The first lady joined the president on behalf of the U.S. in a tribute to Nelson Mandela in honor of his 94th birthday and the fourth annual Nelson Mandela International Day. "On a personal note," they said, "our family has been inspired by Madiba's example, and has deeply appreciated the time we have spent with him, and his wisdom, grace and generosity of spirit." (Photo: Courtesy Facebook)
7 / 9
New Orleans, Je t'aime - The first lady has been around the world and back, but when asked in a CBS Sunday Morning interview, where she'd like to vacation, a visit to the French Quarter in New Orleans to experience a jazz festival or Mardi Gras topped her list. Previous trips to the city have always been working visits during which for security reasons, she makes her entrances by going in "some back way, freight elevator." (Photo: JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)
8 / 9
Theatromania - The Obama girls took in the bright lights of Broadway and three shows last weekend, The New York Times reports. On Saturday, the first lady and a friend saw The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess, after which she thanked Audra McDonald and other actors for "blessing her soul." Daughters Malia and Sasha saw Sister Act and got to meet star Raven-Symoné. The next day all three saw Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark. The actor who plays the title character dropped down and saluted the first lady, who laughed and waved back. (Photo: nydailynews.com)