17 Ways Our Beloved Barack Obama Continued Livin' It Up in 2018
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Barack Obama had quite the eventful year in 2017: he celebrated his 25th wedding anniversary with wife Michelle, he had a kitesurfing challenge with Richard Branson, and his bromance with Prince Harry only got stronger. Even so, it looks like Barack was just getting started, because he continued the fun into 2018 — can you really blame him, though? I mean, he did run an entire country for eight years. Between traveling the world and celebrating sweet milestones with Michelle, I think I speak for everyone when I say, "Keep doing you, Barack!"
He and Michelle Toasted to the New Year
He and Michelle Are Making Progress on the Obama Presidential Center
"We envision a destination — a dynamic place for Chicagoans and visitors alike to gather, exchange ideas, learn, and also have some fun," Barack wrote on Instagram. "Today, we're taking a big step towards the start of construction."
He Proved That Love Isn't Dead With This Heartfelt Birthday Message For Michelle
Seriously, how cute are they?
He Made His First TV Appearance Since Leaving the White House
In January, he joined David Letterman on his Netflix show My Next Guest Needs No Introduction, where Barack not only shared a special tip for all the dancing dads out there, but David also shared his own story about Malia Obama's playful dis.
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He and Michelle Were Honored With Official Portraits at the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery
Naturally, Barack had to do a double-take at Michelle's beautiful photo.
He Showed Us What True Love Looks Like on Valentine's Day
While his tribute for Michelle was sweet, her Spotify playlist for him was even cuter.
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He Visited New Zealand For the First Time Ever
He was honored with a special Maori welcome ceremony in March.
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He Reunited With an Old Friend in Japan
Barack reunited with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo in March. According to the Japan Times, the sole purpose of their meeting was to "renew their friendship."
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He Hung Out With Royalty in Spain
During Barack's visit to Madrid in July, he and King Felipe made a special visit to the Queen Sofía National Art Centre Museum. While there, Barack and Felipe admired paintings by Picasso and Dali and were given an exclusive tour by museum director Manuel Borja-Villel.
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He Visited His Father's Home Country
In July, Barack traveled to Kenya to support the opening of a sports and training center that his half-sister Auma Obama founded through her charity.
He Celebrated the Life of Nelson Mandela in South Africa
After touching down in Johannesburg in July, Barack delivered the Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture on the 100th anniversary of his birth. It marked Barack's first major speech since leaving public office.
He Celebrated 26 Years of Love With Michelle
His love notes are always the best!
He Welcomed His BFF Back to Instagram
Joe Biden officially returned to Instagram in September, and Barack, of course, welcomed him with open arms — and a selfie.
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He Encouraged Americans to Get Out and Vote
Barack attended several rallies across the country to encourage people to vote in the midterm elections. He even got to hang out with Salt-N-Pepa and J Balvin at a Las Vegas rally.
He Made His Love For Michelle Loud and Clear
Barack surprised Michelle with flowers during her Becoming book tour and melted hearts all over the world.
He Was Honored With the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award
In December, Barack was the guest of honor at the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Awards in NYC. "I'm very humbled by this honor. I'm not sure if you've heard, but I've been on this hope kick for a while now," Barack said. "I gave a big speech on hope. I ran a couple of campaigns. Hope. It's my kind of thing. . . . So I'd like to thank all of you for officially validating my hope credentials."
He Dressed Up as Santa Claus and Brought Holiday Cheer to Sick Kids
In December, Barack made a surprise visit to the Children's National Hospital in Washington DC and "put smiles on everyone's faces." Aw!
Yep, we can all probably agree that Barack had a better year than most of us.