President Trump hosts annual White House Easter Egg Roll

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US President Donald Trump delivers remarks from the Truman Balcony with first lady Melania Trump during the 140th annual Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House April 2, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania kicked-off the annual White House Easter Egg Roll Monday morning.

The festivities began in a rainy drizzle but cleared up for the afternoon crowds.  In all, the White House said it expected nearly 30,000 adults and children to attend the daylong event. 

The White House Easter Egg Roll tradition dates back to 1878. Children and their parents gathered Monday to roll hard-boiled eggs across the lawn with wooden spoons. The first lady announced last week that she had added lawn bowling to the roster of festivities. There's also a nook where Mrs. Trump and other officials took turns reading books to children, and a station for kids to make greeting cards for U.S. troops.

The president's five children and nine grandchildren were in attendance, including Donald Trump Jr., his wife, Vanessa, and their five kids; son Eric, his wife, Lara and their baby; daughter Tiffany and son Barron. 

The Associated Press contributed to this story.