Obama returns home for first time as president

[February 14, 2009]  CHICAGO (AP) -- Love and hoops topped the agenda for President Barack Obama this weekend.

Obama, his wife, Michelle, and daughters arrived in Chicago on Friday, their first trip home since they moved into the White House nearly a month ago. Aides said the president planned a low-key, four-day holiday weekend, including a Valentine's Day dinner on Saturday with his wife and a likely basketball game with friends.

Earlier Friday, the House passed the $787 billion economic package that Obama had wanted to sign before he went on vacation. He was expected to watch on television at his Hyde Park home as the Senate cleared the bill for his signature.

It was not going to be possible, however, for Obama be an average Joe. After arriving at O'Hare airport aboard Air Force One, Obama, his aides and press corps got into Marine helicopters and clipped through downtown Chicago and landed at a park on Lake Michigan near the president's home.

Nevertheless, Obama aides say the president plans a weekend largely out of sight, his first real break since his inauguration on Jan. 20. Last weekend, he flew by helicopter to the Camp David presidential retreat in Maryland's Catoctin Mountains.

During the time between his election in November and his inauguration in January, Obama stayed in his Hyde Park home and maintained a standard routine: gym in the early morning hours, breakfast with his family, then work at his office. He sometimes ventured out for dinner at restaurants or at friends' houses, but that dropped off as he neared Inauguration Day.

Obama aides said they expected a similar agenda this trip, which was expected to last until Monday.

[Associated Press; By PHILIP ELLIOTT]

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