Obama celebrates 4th of July and daughter Malia's 21st birthday: 'A great day in the Obama family'
As the country celebrates America's 243rd birthday on Thursday, July 4, the former first family is also celebrating another milestone.
On Thursday, Malia Obama rang in her 21st birthday and the family took to social media to mark both the special events.
"Happy Fourth of July, everybody! This is always a great day in the Obama family: a chance to celebrate America—and Malia’s birthday, too. Hope all of you are able to get some time with friends, family, and fireworks," Obama tweeted.
Malia, who is Barack and Michelle Obama's eldest child, has spent a total of around eight birthdays in the White House and was only 10 years old when her father was first elected to the presidency.
Recently, Malia and her younger sister Sasha accompanied their parents on a vacation to France after Sasha's graduation.
The family, along with a few of their friends, stayed in Provence and spent their time hiking, dining out and immersing themselves in the area's culture.
According to the France Bleu radio, the family had arrived at Avignon’s airport last week on Friday and had stayed at a luxurious farmhouse on an island in the Rhone River located between Avignon and Villeneuve-lès-Avignon.
The mayor of Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, Jean-Marc Roubaud, shared with People that it was a very "private and personal visit for the former president and his family."
The regional police authority had confirmed the former first family's visit and arrival last Thursday, Roubaud shared. He also believes that the area was specifically picked for its reputation, "its history and quality of lifestyle and proximity to a number of [historic] sites."
"Certainly they’ve heard about the Provencal way of life and want to experience it for themselves," he added.
According to a source, the Obamas will be taking their annual vacation in the fall before Sasha starts college.
Earlier this year, Obama had reportedly said, "There is something spectacular about seeing a new place, being exposed to new ideas and experiencing a new culture. Traveling makes you grow. As a parent, when you are able to watch that sense of discovery in your children’s eyes? That is more special than anything else."