The Obama family traveled to Belfast, Ireland, for the G8 Summit this week, but it's just one of many stops around the world that Air Force One has made with the first family since President Obama took office in 2009. Often, Barack has wife Michelle at his side, and over the past few years, Sasha and Malia have joined in on international trips. It's not all about work, though, since Michelle and the girls often have time to take in the sights when Michelle and Barack aren't mingling with the world's VIPs. Take a look at some of the most memorable moments from the Obamas' many travels during their time in the White House.
Michelle Obama's Most Stylish Moments Yet
Our first lady isn't just a supercool mom and inspiring role model — she's a style maven, too. Michelle Obama is able to jump-start new health- and dance-related initiatives, attend summits and galas around the world with her husband, take her kids to school, and look amazing as she juggles it all.
From the custom Jason Wu gown she donned at the president's inaugural ball to casual J.Crew separates, we love her signature style of mixing high and low brands. Her special attention on supporting young designers, her disposition toward wearing bright, bold colors, and her knack for showing off those amazingly toned arms are just a few more reasons why we love our FLOTUS' panache.
With a new batch of sophisticated looks — and one very chic Burberry trench coat — supplying our latest round of classic styling inspiration, we're taking a closer look at her best outfits yet.
— Additional reporting by Marisa Tom
Listen to Michelle Obama Take On a Heckler

"Listen to me or you can take the mic, but I'm leaving," Michele Obama reportedly told a heckler last night at a Democratic fundraiser. A woman interrupted the first lady to ask her why the president had not done more to stop federal contractors from discriminating against LGBT Americans. Apparently the heckler, lesbian activist Ellen Sturtz, had planned the confrontation on behalf of the group GetEQUAL. In a statement, Sturtz said: "I had planned to speak tonight with DNC officials but, as the First Lady was talking about our children's future and ensuring that they have everything they need to live happy and productive lives, I simply couldn't stay silent any longer. I'm looking ahead at a generation of young people who could live full, honest, and open lives with the stroke of the President's pen, and I was hoping that the First Lady would share my concern for all of our young people."
Despite Sturtz's intentions, neither the first lady nor the crowd, who came to her defense, were impressed. The first lady's supporters cheered when Sturtz was escorted out. This comes after President Obama was heckled late last month during a press conference on national security. The president took a different approach, waiting with an abundance of patience and telling the heckler, "We're addressing that ma'am" and saying "the voice of that woman is worth paying attention to" while admitting he didn't agree with much of what she said.
Listen to yesterday's exchange between the first lady and the LGBT activist now and just keep reading to see CNN's video of the encounter.
Kerry Washington and Michelle Obama Bring Dance Moves and Wise Words to DC Kids
Kerry Washington teamed up with Michelle Obama to honor students and teachers at Savoy Elementary School in Washington DC today. Both ladies spent time singing, dancing, and performing with the kids on stage, and the first lady made a special trip to one of the classrooms to show off her exercise skills and yoga moves. Between the fun, Michelle spoke to the students and faculty about the importance of overcoming failure — a valuable and encouraging message for Savoy. The school, which was once one of the lowest-performing in the District of Columbia, has shown significant signs of improvement since being designated as one of eight institutions selected for the Turnaround Arts Initiative by the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities in 2012.
Celebrities like Kerry Washington, Forest Whitaker, and Sarah Jessica Parker joined the Obama administration in those efforts to help turn around failing schools by integrating arts education. While on stage today, Michelle took the opportunity to use Kerry as an example of conquering setbacks in life, telling the crowd that the Scandal star made it big by not getting discouraged by rejection in her career. "She spent a lot of time practicing and working and trying out for things and having people tell her no," the first lady said, adding, "Could you imagine somebody telling Kerry that she wasn't pretty enough, she wasn't tall enough, she was too short? That's all performing is."
Michelle Obama Doles Out Kisses and Advice to Graduates
Just like an eager college freshman, Michelle Obama went back to school with a new hairdo today! The first lady showed off some freshly styled sideswept bangs during her commencement speech at Bowie State University. On a more serious note, Michelle offered some solid advice and perspective for the class of '13 at the historically black university in Maryland. "Just think about this for a moment — for generations, in many parts of this country, it was illegal for black people to get an education," the first lady said. And while she's pals with Jay-Z and Beyoncé, Michelle lamented that too many young people fantasize about "being a baller or a rapper."
"In short, be an example of excellence for the next generation," implored the first lady, who also received an honorary doctorate of laws. She's set to give one more commencement speech this graduation season, after already speaking at Eastern Kentucky University. Next up tomorrow is Martin Luther King Jr. Academic Magnet High School For Health Sciences and Engineering at Historic Pearl High. See pictures of the first lady's academic look from today.
Prince Harry Thrills Washington Women and Politicians on Day 1 of His US Trip
Prince Harry arrived in Washington DC today to kick off his weeklong US tour to promote Britain and his charities. His first stop was touring an exhibit about landmines, which was organized in partnership with the HALO Trust — a landmine removal organization associated with Princess Diana — alongside Senator John McCain.
Harry and his entourage then headed to the White House, where he joined First Lady Michelle Obama on stage for a surprise visit during the Joining Forces event in honor of military mothers. He later attended British Ambassador Sir Peter Westmacott's residence for a small dinner. Harry's six-city trip continues tomorrow when the prince will jet to Denver to watch the Warrior Games in Colorado Springs before returning to the East Coast early next week to stop by New Jersey, Connecticut, and New York. At some point during his stay, Harry is set to see the Hurricane Sandy-damaged Jersey Shore with Gov. Chris Christie, who promised earlier in the year that he would chaperone and make sure Harry stays clothed during the visit, since it is Harry's first time back in the States since his Las Vegas scandal last August.
Homemade Granola Bars: A Soft, Chewy, Satisfying Snack
Chock-full of oats, seeds, nuts, and fruit, chewy granola bars make an ideal breakfast, midday snack, or fuel for your next outdoor activity. Our favorite recipe happens to come from First Lady Michelle Obama and the White House kitchens; it's sweetened with honey and maple syrup for a sweet yet wholesome finish. The recipe's basic — it's as easy as heating, mixing, and cutting — but we'll offer tips for toasting seeds, heating the sugar, and cutting the bars. An added bonus: your house will be infused with the scent of warm spices.
Video: Barack Obama Decides to Copy Michelle’s Bangs for the White House Correspondents’ Dinner!
Barack Obama got bangs over the weekend, but it’s not exactly what you think. On Saturday, politicians, the news media, and Hollywood’s elite came together for the White House Correspondents' Dinner. The president turned the tables and made some killer jokes alongside Conan O’Brien. We have all the funniest moments including a special one with Steven Spielberg.
Michelle Obama, Kerry Washington, and More From the White House Dinner!
The annual White House Correspondents' Dinner took place in our capital over the weekend, and Hollywood's finest made their way to the East Coast to show their support. Prada was a favorite of the night — both Kate Mara and Claire Danes went for beautiful looks from the label. Kerry Washington went graphic in a black and white dress by Wes Gordon, plus we got a peek at FLOTUS Michelle Obama's Monique Lhuillier number. All that and more in today's Fashion Flash. On Allison: Rachel Zoe blazer, Jane Basch necklace.
The Obamas Shine Bright Among Hollywood Stars at the White House Correspondents' Dinner
The biggest names of Washington and Hollywood were together in one room tonight for the annual White House Correspondents' Dinner. While it's affectionately known as "nerd prom," President Barack Obama, the guest of honor, showed just how cool politicians can be, making an entrance to a DJ Khaled song and cracking jokes about Jay-Z. "I've got 99 problems, and now Jay-Z's one," he said in reference to the rapper's recent Cuba trip. Overall, First Lady Michelle Obama seemed very entertained by the president's comic material, which included a skit of Obama playing Daniel Day-Lewis playing Obama.
On the red carpet, stars of DC-based TV dramas — like Claire Danes, Kerry Washington, Kate Mara, and Robin Wright — joined other Hollywood regulars including Sofía Vergara and Sharon Stone. Yet many stars we spoke to agreed the night had more gravitas than your typical Hollywood premiere or award show. Many actors and actresses told us that the night was a once-a-year chance to get smart and talented people from politics and entertainment together. Meanwhile, actor Gerard Butler just wanted to have fun, goofing off with his "man date," as he called him, Piers Morgan. And comedians John Oliver and Rebel Wilson both told us that they'd love to be the act at the dinner one day, even if it is a tough job. As for this year's headliner, Conan O'Brien, he wasn't afraid to poke fun at the president. "Some in this room even accused the president of being distant and aloof,” Conan said. “When I asked the president about that earlier, he said, ‘Oh,’ and walked away.”
And of course, the fashion industry wasn't going to be left out. Anna Wintour worked the red carpet in a glamorous gown, while J.Crew's Jenna Lyons sported a white button-down tucked into a feathered skirt, along with her signature black-rimmed glasses. Despite the star-studded guest list, the celebrities we spoke to admitted that they were most excited to see President Obama and the first lady. See pictures of the first couple and DC's big night now and videos of President Obama's and Conan's speeches, which also included touching tributes to the recent tragedies in Boston and Texas.





