The Johnson family of Glenville is going to the White House on Monday to meet the Easter Bunny, and maybe even President Obama himself.
The Johnsons are among 30,000 people from across the United States selected by lottery to participate in the annual White House Easter Egg Roll, a tradition that dates to 1878.
The family includes mom, Suzanne, 32; dad, Andrew, 36; and children Lindsey, 10 months; Darren, 6; and Tyler, 4. Dad is a probation officer with Schenectady County. Mom stays at home with the children.
Suzanne Johnson said she entered the lottery in February and was notified the first week of March the family was selected. “I was so excited. At first, I called my husband and told my kids. They know we are big Barack Obama fans. I told my kids we are going on his front lawn and will see his house,” she said. “He will be there, with limited sightings.”
Approximately 6,000 people will be allowed on the White House south lawn every two hours during the day.
The Johnsons’ slot is 3:45-5:45 p.m.
“When you think about it, we feel pretty lucky to have been [selected],” Suzanne Johnson said. “This is a really neat occasion for us.”
The family plans to drive down to Washington, an eight-hour trip, and will stay with relatives in the area.
This will be Lindsey’s first Easter and she may not remember the experience when she grows up. But mom and dad will have plenty of pictures for her to enjoy later.
“Her first Easter will be a special one. We are bringing our camera and backup batteries, that’s for sure,” Suzanne Johnson said.
They also will receive a commemorative wooden Easter egg with the signatures of the president and first lady Michelle Obama. “It will look nice on the mantel,” she Johnson said.
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