President Bush’s twin daughters Jenna and Barbara, 27, wrote a letter to the Washington Post giving advice to President Obama’s young daughters Sasha, 7, and Malia, 10. They talked about the wonder of spending time exploring the great mansion and witnessing balls and events starting at Sasha’s age when their grandfather, George H.W. Bush, was first sworn in. Jenna and Barbara didn’t live at the White House during their grandfather’s Presidency, but were there for holidays and vacations. From their perspective, it was a magical time and they wouldn’t have missed it for anything. They were able to return to live in the White House at the age of 18 when their father was elected to office, but their article focused on being in that magnificent house as children like Obama’s daughters and soaking it all in:
We also first saw the White House through the innocent, optimistic eyes of children. We stood on the North Lawn gazing with wonder at her grand portico. The White House was alive with devoted and loving people, many of whom had worked in her halls for decades. Three of the White House ushers, Buddy, Ramsey, and “Smiley”, greeted us when we stepped into her intimidating hallway. Their laughter and embraces made us feel welcome right away. Sasha and Malia, here is some advice to you from two sisters who have stood where you will stand and who have lived where you will live:
– Surround yourself with loyal friends. They’ll protect and calm you and join in on some of the fun, and appreciate the history.
– If you’re traveling with your parents over Halloween, don’t let it stop you from doing what you would normally do. Dress up in some imaginative, elaborate costume (if you are like us a pack of Juicy Fruit and a Vampiress) and trick-or-treat down the plane aisle.
– If you ever need a hug, go find Ramsey. If you want to talk football, look for Buddy. And, if you just need a smile, look for “Smiley.”
– And, a note on White House puppies–our sweet puppy Spot was nursed on the lawn of the White House. And then of course, there’s Barney, who most recently bit a reporter. Cherish your animals because sometimes you’ll need the quiet comfort that only animals can provide.
– Slide down the banister of the solarium, go to T-ball games, have swimming parties, and play Sardines on the White House lawn. Have fun and enjoy your childhood in such a magical place to live and play.
– When your dad throws out the first pitch for the Yankees, go to the game.
– In fact, go to anything and everything you possibly can: the Kennedy Center for theater, State Dinners, Christmas parties (the White House staff party is our favorite!), museum openings, arrival ceremonies, and walks around the monuments. Just go. Four years goes by so fast, so absorb it all, enjoy it all!
For four years, we spent our childhood holidays and vacations in the historic house. We could almost feel the presence of all the great men and women who had lived here before us. When we played house, we sat behind the East sitting room’s massive curtains as the light poured in illuminating her yellow walls. Our seven-year-old imaginations soared as we played in the enormous, beautiful rooms; our dreams, our games, as romantic as her surroundings. At night, the house sang us quiet songs through the chimneys as we fell asleep.
[From The Washington Post via People]
Jenna has a degree in English from the University of Texas and works as a school teacher in Washington, DC. She was married this summer to Henry Hager, and the couple resides in a two bedroom townhouse in Baltimore, Maryland. Jenna’s twin Barbara graduated from Yale in 2004, lives in Greenwich Village, and works for a nonprofit organization, Global Health Corps. These two had a rough time in 2001 when they were busted drinking underage, but apart from that they’ve kept under the radar and both finished college and did charity work overseas. Jenna even published two books.
Sasha and Malia will be growing up in the White House and depending on how long their father is in office we may see them go through some awkward stages. Hopefully the press will respect their privacy as much as possible. It’s hard not to pay attention to those two lovely little girls. Along with the pitfalls of growing up in the public eye there are also plenty of advantages and memorable moments, as Jenna and Barbara mention.
Jenna Bush, Henry Hager, Barbara Bush, and their mom Laura’s personal assistant, Lindsey Knutson, are shown on the White House lawn on 1/10/09. Jenna and Barbara are also shown at the Republican National Convention in 2004, where their speech was widely panned. Sasha and Malia Obama are shown at their dad’s inauguration yesterday. All photos credit: Newscom
