Obama begins July 4th celebration at Camp David

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama is helping the nation celebrate its birthday and his daughter Malia celebrate hers.

The president on Friday morning flew to Camp David, Md., for the first part of the first family's Fourth of July celebration, including daughter Malia's 11th birthday on Saturday. He set off with friend Martin Nesbitt to meet first lady Michelle Obama, who was already at Camp David.

About 20 of Malia's tween-age friends will be on hand for the festivities. In an interview with The Associated Press, the president was bemused at the thought of being surrounded by so many girls. As he put it, "It's a little intimidating."

The first family will return to the White House by Saturday evening to host 1,200 military families for a Fourth of July barbecue on the South Lawn.