29 Photos of Sasha & Malia Obama Growing Up Before Our Eyes

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.

Sledding

During their first year, the Obama girls lived every American kid’s dream: With their dad as president, the entire White House was theirs to explore.

Family Time

Back in 2009, the two girls were still old enough to fit in their dad’s lap, and we got lots of glimpses into the Obamas’ family life, including moments like this one, where they could all be just any family, and not the family.

In the Public Eye

During those early days, the Obama girls always seemed a little awestruck at their parents’ — and their own — new roles in the public eye. But they always seemed to handle it with aplomb and maturity. They’re America’s kids, and we couldn’t be prouder.

Still Just Kids

It’s hard to imagine now that Sasha was ever small enough to cling to her dad koala-style, but she definitely was in this picture. Official White House photographer Pete Souza says that the younger Obama daughter just needed a little one-on-one time with Dad, and he was more than happy to oblige.

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.

Family Trip to Brazil

On this trip to Brazil, the girls (12 and 9 in this photograph) are clearly coming into their own as budding diplomats.

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.

Growing Up

By the time this portrait was taken in 2011, both girls were already growing up quick, especially tall Malia, who managed to exude grace even with her ultimate teen accessory: braces. We’re pretty sure we never took a picture that nice when we had mouths full of metal.

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.

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.

Young Sophisticates

After he won his second presidential bid, the first daughters were practically old hat when this picture was taken on Inauguration Day.

Not Too Old to Hold Hands

The two girls, despite being full-on teens by the time this picture was taken before an Easter service in 2013, still had absolutely no qualms about walking hand in hand with their parents on the way to church.

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.

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.

They Grow Up So Fast

Malia has the teen thing down pat, stopping to wipe a little smudge off her father’s face, something he probably used to do all the time for her. It’s enough to make us misty-eyed.

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.

From Braces to Ballgowns

The two young Obama ladies exuded class and grace in stunning gowns during their surprise appearance at their very first state dinner. The two had certainly come into their own! 

Even cuter? This year, their dad shared an adorable family photo from the occasion in celebration of the holidays! After all, there’s nothing quite a good throwback. 

Meeting a Star

The Obama girls might have a maturity that’s beyond their years because of their extraordinary childhoods, but all the proof you need that both girls are just teens under those sophisticated demeanors is in this one photograph. Sasha’s enthusiasm at talking to Ryan Reynolds at the Canadian state dinner makes her as relatable as they come, while Malia’s surreptitious thumbs-up makes her pretty much everyone’s big sister.

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. 

A Visit to Morocco

Michelle Obama brought Sasha and Malia with her on a trip to Morocco where they were greeted by Princess Lalla Salma of Morocco ahead of a private visit at the king’s palace in Marrakech Morocco in June 2016. Michelle Obama visited Morocco to promote education for girls in the North African kingdom. 

New York City 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. 

Spring Break

Like any college student, Malia enjoyed spring break with her friends in Miami, Florida in 2019. She spent some time by the pool sipping a few cool drinks under the hot sun. 

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.