Obama prepares for two big birthdays

WASHINGTON, July 3 (UPI) -- President Barack Obama prepared to celebrate the nation's -- and his daughter Malia's -- July 4 birthdays with several thousand guests, the White House said.

About 1,200 military members and their families have been invited to celebrate Independence Day with a barbecue on the South Lawn of the White House. White House staffers also have been invited to the celebration.

The U.S. Marine Band will perform, then fireworks will explode over the South Lawn.

Obama left the White House Friday morning to join his family at Camp David, the presidential retreat in the mountains of Maryland.

Daughter Malia, who turns 11 Saturday, began celebrating with about 20 girls at Camp David Thursday, the Chicago Tribune reported.

When the Obamas return Saturday, Malia will become the first member of this First Family to celebrate a birthday at the White House, the Tribune said.

The celebration will mark the first birthday Malia has not spent in a hotel room since at least 2006, the newspaper said.

An aide wouldn't tell the Tribune more about the birthday plans but acknowledged the Marine Band might play "Happy Birthday."

The president is to deliver brief remarks Saturday, White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said