The first family arrived tonight for an extended holiday weekend. It's their first lengthy visit in Chicago in over a year.
Aside from a day's trip down to Louisiana to observe the Gulf cleanup efforts, the President will be in town through Monday. First Lady Michelle Obama, Sasha, Malia and the family dog, Bo, will be here throughout the weekend as well.
Air Force One touched down at O'Hare International Airport shortly after 7pm.
The first family then climbed aboard the president's helicopter, Marine One, which also held the first lady's mother, Jim Messina, the White House deputy chief of operations, and Bo.
The helicopter sped across the city before landing in the South Side at Soldier Field.
"I watched from my window as they landed," wrote @sbgardner, just one of several twitter users to notice the flight. "Had a great view!"
"Didn't see it, but I live in the Hancock and I sure as heck heard it. Cool!" wrote @Bonnie_L.
Another twitter user, @juliemilner, snapped this pic of Marine One.
Several small crowds cheered the president's motorcade as it sped back home.
"I love to support them anytime they come back to Chicago," said Turkessa Beard, who was cheering with her family of five.
The first family's visit is a mostly private affair. Obama has only one scheduled appearance, and that's on Memorial Day at the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Cemetery in Elwood.
But the lack of official scheduling hasn't stopped local observers from speculating what Obama will do and where he'll show up. Top on the speculative list: taking in the Blackhawks' Stanley Cup opener on Saturday, and watching "The Good Negro" at the Goodman Theatre.
