Obamas celebrate Thanksgiving, president phones troops

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama celebrated a quiet Thanksgiving at the White House, telephoning U.S. servicemen and women stationed around the world and dining on his favorite holiday food with family and friends.

The White House said Obama made calls thanking two members each from the Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marine Corps and Navy for their service and sacrifice.

He wished them and their families a happy Thanksgiving, before joining his own for the holiday.

The president, his wife, Michelle, and daughters Malia and Sasha are celebrating at the White House.

They were expecting family, friends and staff to join them for a dinner of turkey, ham, potatoes - sweet and mashed - green bean casserole, and macaroni and cheese.

Dessert was to include six varieties of pie: apple, pumpkin, sweet potato, banana cream, cherry and huckleberry.

The president's favorite is said to be pumpkin.

- AP