The family said they hope the special moment is a reminder that magical things can happen anywhere, anytime.
Portia Moore and her family had planned to visit the Tidal Basin Monday at 1 p.m. However, they arrived much earlier around 7 a.m. This spontaneous change in their plans led to an unexpected and unforgettable experience.
Moore shared with WUSA9 that their main goal was to capture the perfect photo of her two children, 4-year-old Belle and 21-month-old Preston. While focusing on taking pictures, her husband noticed a familiar face nearby. To their amazement, it was former President Barack Obama casually strolling by.
“I was like what happened?” Moore laughed. “He’s like, ‘it’s President Obama.’ I’m like what!”
Excitedly, Moore and their photographer Briana Inell quickly reviewed the photos they had taken, and there it was: a shot of Obama photobombing Belle and Preston without even realizing it. Moore expressed that this photograph has now become a cherished family keepsake.
“It means so much to me, and to them as they grow older,” Moore said. “It builds confidence, like, look I have something to share.”
The photo quickly went viral. Obama even reposted the picture to his Instagram story with the caption, “Preston, Belle, I hope you enjoyed peak bloom. My bad for stepping into the shot.”
The family said they hope the special moment is a reminder that magical things can happen anywhere, anytime.
“To see the beauty in life, in people, nature,” Moore said. “It can be crazy, what is going around us. Let’s appreciate the little thing. This is little but, also monumental.”
Moore said the photo will sit next to their other family portraits and they have a message for the former president.
“Anytime you want to see us, we’re here, right down street,” Moore chuckled as she extended the invitation.
