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We desperately miss the days when we would wake up, turn on the news and would see pictures of Malia and Sasha Obama roaming the halls of the White House with their parents. It almost seems like we’re living in an entirely different world these days. It’s hard to believe it’s been six years since the Obama family was leading our country, but the family has been up to a lot in their post-presidency days.
Malia, 24, is a graduate of Harvard University, and now working with Donald Glover as a writer on his upcoming Amazon Prime show, Hive. Sasha, 21, is a student at the University of Southern California and enjoying the sunshine after doing her freshman year at the University of Michigan. They have both grown up to become incredibly talented, intelligent and independent women — and mom Michelle spilled the beans to People that the two will be living together in LA.
Michelle too has had a whirlwind couple of years with her bestselling memoir Becomingand newly released book The Light We Carry. In the 2020 Netflix documentary for Becoming, Sasha and Malia actually gave their first-ever public interview and couldn’t stop gushing about how proud they are of their mom. It’s amazing how fast time flies by — from little girls standing by their dad Barack Obama’s side when he was elected president in 2008 to young women ready to take on the world.
So in honor of Malia, Sasha, and the years of growing up in the White House, and for Sasha’s birthday today, let’s take a look back at some throwback pics of them over the last 16 years.
A version of this article was originally published in May 2020.
The Early Days
Back when Obama first took office, Malia was 10 years old, and Sasha was just 7. That’s barely even tween territory, and the two were undeniably adorable.
Running for President
Back in, February 10, 2007 in Springfield, Illinois, the Obama family talked to the crowd about his announcement to run for President
Before the Turkey Pardon
Even in the space of just one year, the two girls seemed to sprout right up, and they’re always so well put together. But they also never seemed to take themselves too seriously. In fact, the entire Obama family has always been generous with big grins and bear hugs.
Putting in Some Couch Time
Of course, even if you’re entering your teen years, like Malia was in 2012, or going through a growth spurt, you’re just never too old for a cuddle puddle and some T.V. time with your dad. Even if he is the leader of the free world and the TV is tuned to your mom giving a speech at the Democratic National Convention.
Still Just Kids
It’s hard to imagine now that Sasha was ever small enough to cling to her dad, but she definitely was in this picture.
Obama Family Vacations In Hawaii
We love this photo of the Obama family making their way through the Honolulu Zoo January 3, 2009 in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Christmas Tree Lighting
In this lighthearted moment before the 2011 tree lighting, the entire family is the very picture of down-to-earth class, even when they’re bundled up against the D.C. winter air.
Family Outing
A family shopping trip to grab some reading material showcases just how quickly the girls were growing up.
Not So Little Anymore
By the time 2012’s Easter Egg Roll came around, the pair were much more comfortable having the public eye trained on them. Malia was already well on her way to becoming a young woman.
4 More Years
By 2012, Malia was practically as tall as her dad, and Sasha was right on her heels, but they weren’t too big to be wrapped up in their dad’s arms in a green room at that year’s DNC, where he was campaigning for a second presidential term.
Easter service
President Barack Obama and his family walk to attend an Easter service at St. John’s Church. Washington, D.C., March 31, 2013.
Young Sophisticates
After he won his second presidential bid, the first daughters were practically old hat when this picture was taken on Inauguration Day.
Another Year, Another Turkey
In 2014, a 14-year-old Malia was out of braces and still had plenty of good humor for events like the annual turkey pardon. For her part, 12-year-old Sasha barely resembled the little girl from her 2009 portrait, back when she still had all of her baby teeth.
They Grow Up So Fast
When you put this portrait up against the family’s very first official portrait back in 2009, you wouldn’t be blamed if you have to do a double take. Malia is as tall as her parents, Sasha looks like she’s ready to tackle her high school years, and the entire family looks like they belong on the cover of some magazine.
Like Mother, Like Daughters
During a trip to China, Michelle Obama wraps both her girls in a hug at The Great Wall, undoubtedly reminding them that no matter how old they get, they’ll always be her babies.
Are Those the Same Girls?
In 2015, 16-year-old Malia and 13-year-old Sasha are almost the same height, and it’s hard to believe they were ever the little girls we all met back in 2008.
National Parks
The first family celebrated the 100th birthday of the national park system with a visit to Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico in June 2016.
Big 1-8
Malia shares her birthday with the nation, and when she turned 18 on July 4, 2016, her dad took the opportunity to bring her onstage and celebrate the major milestone with the entire country.
The Farewell Address
Barack Obama laughs next to Michelle Obama and daughter Malia Obama after his farewell address to the American people at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois, USA, 10 January 2017.
Indonesia Trip
Sasha and Malia looked so grown up as they visited Tirtha Empul temple at Tampaksiring Village in Gianyar on the Indonesian resort island of Bali on June 27, 2017.
New York Internship
Malia Obama’s interest in Hollywood began when she was in high school, doing a summer internship on the HBO show, Girls. In 2017, she hit Manhattan again and took an internship at The Weinstein Co. (yes, that Harvey Weinstein) during her gap year before she enrolled in Harvard University.
Low-Key Los Angeles Presence
Malia is firmly entrenched as a writer in Hollywood, but she prefers to stay out of the limelight. Every once in a while, the paparazzi will catch her out and about, but she isn’t one to make her presence known — she lets mom and dad enjoy the headlines.
Sundance Film Festival
Malia Ann Obama attended the premiere of her short film The Heart at the Short Film Program 1 during the 2024 Sundance Film Festival at Prospector Square Theatre on January 18, 2024.
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