President Barack Obama and his family began a weeklong vacation on this Massachusetts island with a message to the reporters who have crowded the New England villages: Chill out and don't expect much. Pleading for privacy, the White House said Obama would have no public events while vacationing on Martha's Vineyard with his family and close friends. Aides also asked that the journalists not take pictures of the Obamas' two young daughters, age 8 and 11, when they aren't with the president. “He wants you to relax and have a good time. Take some walks on the beaches. Nobody's looking to make any news,” spokesman Bill Burton told reporters flying with the Obamas from Washington to Massachusetts. There were other friendly faces for Obama. His sister, Maya, flew with the Obamas from Washington, as did first pooch Bo, who wandered through the press cabin during the flight. Chicago physician Eric Whitaker, a friend to the Obamas, planned to meet the family on the island. The Obamas are paying for their share of the vacation home; taxpayers are picking up the tab for security and White House staff, which is customary for all presidents. Departing Washington for Cape Cod, Obama left behind a tie and jacket in favor of khakis and a button-down shirt. Michelle Obama opted for a casual skirt - not the shorts that drew criticism when she wore them to the Grand Canyon.
