Relaxing Obama hits bookstore with Malia and Sasha

VINEYARD HAVEN, Mass. — President Barack Obama began his first full day of vacation on Martha’s Vineyard by dropping into a bookstore with daughters Malia and Sasha.

A fairly large crowd had gathered outside the Bunch of Grapes bookstore before the president’s motorcade pulled up at midday on a sunny Friday.

Obama arrived on the upscale island resort off the Massachusetts coast on Thursday for a 10-day vacation with his wife and daughters.

Several Republican presidential candidates have criticized him for heading to the Vineyard at a time of such economic uncertainty. The White House defends Obama’s desire for time to recharge and spend time with his family. Officials also note that the president is never really on vacation.

Obama received briefings on the economy and national security Friday before going to the bookstore.