Photos: The Obamas Jet off on their Christmas vacation to Hawaii

President Obama is on his way to Hawaii tonight (pictured)for 17 days where he and his family will be on vacation until after the New Year.  The family leaves this evening on the direct Air Force One flight and is expected to return to Washington D.C. on January 4. 

 'On Friday, December 19, President Obama and the First Family will travel to Honolulu, Hawai'i. The arrival of Air Force One is open to pre-credentialed media and closed to the public,' the White House said in a statement.

'I just want everybody to be happy, and I want to sleep in. That’s what I want for Christmas. I want to sleep late. Maybe I’ll get that,' Mrs Obama said.