'Years in the spotlight': The Obama family in the White House

In U.S. President Barack Obama's farewell address Tuesday night, he paid tribute to his wife, Michelle, and daughters Malia and Sasha.Obama spoke of his pride in his daughters. "Under the strangest of circumstances you have become two amazing young women," Obama said. "You are smart and you are beautiful. But more importantly, you are kind and you are thoughtful and you are full of passion.

"And you wore the burden of years in the spotlight so easily. Of all that I have done in my life, I am most proud to be your dad."

Missing from the farewell speech in Chicago was Sasha, who had an exam at school the next morning. But for eight years in the White House, the family was rarely apart. Here's a look back.

A young family on the campaign trail

During his campaign to secure the Democratic presidential nomination in 2007, Obama,MichelleandSasha, 7, sing happy birthday to Malia, 10, right, during an Independence Day house partyin Pella, Iowa.

Small steps and a great leap forward

President-elect Obamaarrives to speak to supporters with his wife and daughtersduring his election night rally in Chicago after being declared the winner of the presidential campaign on Nov.4,2008.

Heading to the White House

The Obama family wave during the 2008 election night victoryrally.Obamacaptured the White Houseafter a two-year campaign, defeating Republican JohnMcCainto make history as the first black to be elected U.S. president.

A new home and a new school

Sasha(left) andMaliagetready for their first day of school atSidwellFriends in Washington on Jan.5, 2009. TheObamafamily stayedat the Hay Adams Hotel in Washington and thenBlair House, before moving to the White House on Jan.20 after the inauguration.

Express delivery via Marine One

Sashablocks her ears from the sound of Marine One as she arrives with her family on theSouth Lawn of the White House on March 8,2009. The family had spent the weekend at the Camp David presidential retreat in Maryland.

Like father like daughter

ObamamimicsMaliaas she thinks about which flavour of ice cream to buy at the Yellowstone Park General Store, after watching the Old Faithful Geyser in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming on Aug.15,2009.

Another summer, another ice cream stop

Obama makes a purchase for his daughters at BrustersIce Cream shop in Panama City Beach, Fla., on Aug.15,2010.

World Cup soccer fans

The Obama family watch the World Cup soccer game between the U.S. and Japan, from the Treaty Room office in the residence of the White House on July 17,2011.

Festive moment

Obama and Sasha laugh during the lighting of the National Christmas Tree in Washington on Dec.1, 2011.

Mom's on TV

The president and his daughterswatchtelevision as MichelleObamatakes the stage to deliver her speech at the Democratic National Convention, in the Treaty Room of the White House on Sept.4,2012.

Off to church on a Sunday morning

The Obamas stroll across Lafayette Park in Washingtonto St. John's Church to attend the service on Oct. 27,2013.

A walk on the Great Wall

MichelleObamawalks with her daughtersSasha(centre) andMaliaas they climb the steps at theMutianyusection of the Great Wall of China, on March 23,2014.

Ruffling a few feathers

Obama, joined by his daughtersMalia, right, andSasha,speaks at the White House during the presidential turkey pardon ceremony, an annual Thanksgiving tradition, on Nov. 26, 2014.An aide to a Republican congressman was critical of the girls' pose and dress, saying they should have shown more class. Following a public backlash, the aide apologized and resigned.

With friends in high places

The president andSasha(right), along with two ofSasha'sfriends, board Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews in Washington on July 17,2015.

A grandmother's voice

Michelle Obama's mother, Marian Robinson, joins the Obama family to sing Christmas carols during a ceremonynear the White House on Dec.3, 2015. Robinson has lived in the White House with her daughter's family.

A happy 18th birthday

Obama hugs and sings Happy BirthdaytoMalia, 18,on stage during an Independence Day celebration in the East Room of the White House onJuly 4, 2016, for members of the military and their families.

Sasha's sidelong look

The younger Obama daughterlooks on during a minute of silence as she attends a baseball game with her family and Cuban President Raul Castro at Estadio Latinoamericano in Havana on March 22, 2016.

Fond farewell and on to the future

The presidentlaughs next to Michelle andMaliaafter his farewell address to the American people from Chicago onJan. 10. Obama's eight-year term as president ends on Jan. 20when president-elect Donald Trump takes the oath of office. The Obama familywill lease a house in Washington until Sasha finishes high school. Malia is expected to start at Harvard University in the fall.