I got a very special treat today — my friend Tracy invited me to the White House for the annual Christmas Open House, which is where guests can roam around and take pictures! You’re not allowed to take pictures on the regular tour, so this was a BIG deal. Being Asian, I love taking pictures, so you bet your bottom I took advantage of the opportunity.
The theme of the season is “Shine Give Share.”
The official White House Christmas tree, a 18-ft balsam fir from Wisconsin. Ornaments are cards, medals and badges collected from military families all over the world.
Ornament from the Gold Stars Families Tree, which pays tribute to those who have given their lives serving our country. Next to the tree was a table for us to write cards to our troops.
White House Library, featuring one of many versions of Bo, the Portuguese Water Dog and First Dog.
My favorite of the five Bo figures found on the first floor. Button Bo!
The White (Chocolate) House. It weighs over 300 pounds!
The Secret Service guys and gals guarding the place were all super nice and knowledgeable. I talked to one Secret Service guy about this White Chocolate House in the State Dining Room.
JK: Wow! How long did that take to make?
SSG: It took our pastry chefs about two months, ma’am.
JK: Yeeesh. Is that the best use of their time, really?
SSG: Can’t say, ma’am.
JK/JFK. I just couldn't resist.
M&Ms and cookie from the White House in front of my rather unimpressive tree. I'm proud I made it home without eating that cookie.
Jennie, you ROCK!! Thank you for sharing your White House visit with us. I love your conversation with the Secret Service.
Jennie, I just saw this on TV… but you sure take better pictures.
Love the JK/JFK picture… very thoughtful!
Thanks, guys! In other news, I am eating that cookie.
The Secret Service don’t know how lucky they were today. You could have eaten the White Chocolate House! 😉
How totally cool!!! Thank you so much for sharing.
Your questions to the SSG were very good and very relevant. Perhaps that is how they created more jobs?
SUPER picture of you in front of JFK’s portrait!
What a treat, thank you for sharing!
Great pictures Jennie. The chocolate would never have made it all the way home with me…I’m a chocoholic!!
I cracked up reading your conversation with the SSG!
I love these photos! I miss DC! The last time we were there was 2001.
I love your conversation with the SSG, haha !Yummy goodies, I’m with Lynda- the chocolate would have never made it all the way home too.