Malia and Sasha are in Africa

Mrs. Obama, accompanied by her two daughters, a niece, a nephew and her mother, received a warm welcome upon her arrival Monday night at the air force base in the capital of South Africa, Pretoria, after 18 hours and more than 1,800 miles of travel.

The week-long visit is intended to improve relations between the U.S. and Africa and promote youth engagement, education, health and wellness.

Also with the first lady are her mother, Marian Robinson, and a niece and nephew, Leslie and Avery Robinson.
As a welcome gift, Malia and Sasha Obama received South African blankets with colors of the nation's flag they used to ward off the chilly 51 degree temperatures.

Photos: Charles Dharapak, Pool / AP