(Image Source: AspenPitkin.com/Wikipedia)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

First Lady Michelle Obama and her daughters are on a ski vacation in Aspen for Presidents Day Weekend. KCNC reports.

“The First Lady and her daughters Sasha and Malia flew into Aspen on Friday. No major details about their trip at this time, but the county sheriff said he met with secret service and loaned seven deputies to protect the first family.”

Some media have been quick to point out that the vacation comes soon after the first family spent time in Hawaii. The Daily Mail says …

“well, it has been a whole month!”

And Fox News writes …

“With the economy on its knees, many American families have had to forgo their annual holiday just to make ends meet.  But barely a month after returning from a luxury Christmas break in Hawaii Michelle Obama is on holiday again …”

So what is the price tag on the vacation? The Aspen Daily News reports the family is staying at the home of Chicagoans Jim and Paula Crown, who have fundraised for President Obama in the past. And according to Politico …

“‘Personal expenses are being paid for by the Obamas,’ a spokesperson for the first lady said.”

Though conservative blog American Thinker writes …

“While the taxpayer doesn't have to foot the bill for some extravagant resort hotel … the dozens of Secret Service, communications, nannies, dressers, and the rest of her entourage will mostly be staying in motels - not to mention the cost of using one of the 747's to fly out there in the first place.”

And is multiple vacations risky in an election year? Blogger Emily Zanotti writes on her site -- NakedDC …

“Seriously? We’re closing in on a campaign. This is no longer about tax money or bizarre antics, this is about image.”
http://nakeddc.com/2012/02/18/enjoy-your-aspen-vacation-everyone/

But KJCT points out ...

“Presidents’ day in Colorado isn’t anything new for the trio. Last year they spent time skiing at Vail and Beaver Creek.”

And just like an annual vacation, blasting presidential trips seems to be becoming a regular story. When the Obamas took that Hawaiian vacation, Newsy brought you a story on how the media was … blasting the first family for taking a vacation.

“Politico reports, while it might seem extravagant, the Obamas aren’t doing anything out of the ordinary.”