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Last update: October 31, 2009 - 9:39 PM

President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama doled out presidential M&Ms and dried fruit mixes Saturday to more than 2,000 trick-or-treaters, marking Halloween at a White House event partly aimed at honoring military families. Dressed as superheroes, pirates, fairies and skeletons, the kids came in with their parents from Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia, lining up at the orange-lit White House. The Obamas smiled, chatted and passed out cellophane goody bags that were also filled with a sweet-dough butter cookie made by White House pastry chef Bill Yosses and a National Park Foundation Ranger activity book. The First Lady wore furry cat ears and a leopard-patterned top. She said the kids were "just so cute." Obama added: "They're adorable, as is, by the way, my wife, a very nice looking catwoman." The loot handed out was just part of the treat for the kids, ages 6 to 14. "He touched my hand," said a beaming Tiera Thomas, 11, of Washington, after she picked up her candy from the president. The president, dressed in casual clothes, was one of the few not in costume. Even Obama's press secretary, Robert Gibbs, was dressed as Darth Vader, the "Star Wars" villain. It was also the first White House Halloween for the Obamas' daughters, 8-year-old Sasha and 11-year-old Malia, whose whereabouts and dress remained top secret.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

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