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Obama takes daughters for shave ice treat

(Agencies)
Updated: 2010-01-02 13:57
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Obama takes daughters for shave ice treat
President Barack Obama, with daughter Sasha Obama, 8, center, and other family friends, enjoy shave ice at Island Snow in Kailua, Hawaii Friday, Jan. 1, 2010. [Agencies]

KAILUA, Hawaii: President Barack Obama took his daughters and friends Friday to sample a Hawaiian delicacy of ice shavings and flavored syrup, joshing with his group about winning college football teams on New Year's Day.

Obama and about 20 people drove to a shave ice store the president has visited during past trips to Hawaii. He ordered a flavor combination of lemon-lime, cherry and passion-guava syrups.

"It's the Snowbama," Obama said, noting that the store lists the combination on its menu.

He chose not to add sweet azuki red beans or ice cream, as some people do in Hawaii.

"I like my shave ice straight, no frills," said a casual Obama, wearing a white T-shirt, khaki shorts and sandals.

About 100 people packed into a shopping center parking lot to catch a glimpse of the vacationing president and his girls, who have largely stayed out of public view while on the island of Oahu.

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While waiting in line Obama teased a friend who rooted for Oregon. The Ducks lost to Ohio State in the Rose Bowl earlier in the day.

"He's heartbroken, so I'm buying him shave ice," Obama said.

The store -- Island Snow -- said on its Facebook page that the first daughters already had visited the store during this vacation.

First lady Michelle Obama was not seen with the group.

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