While that much-discussed dog will most likely join the Obama White House in coming months, a trip back in history reveals that United States presidents have owned all kinds of creatures. How have previous occupants' opossums, snakes, ponies or goats fit into the outdoor living spaces of the White House? Take a look at the menagerie that has graced the grounds of the executive mansion since the 1800s in this historical photo gallery of presidential pets and their owners in the 'First Yard.'

LBJ Library Photo by Yoichi R. Okamoto / D1493-15  

Photo by Lisa Hallett Taylor

Cold days make you want to bundle-up indoors and read a book. Check out this list of books I've compiled about DIY playhouse, treehouse, shed and backyard retreat projects that will get your mind off current concerns and help you look forward to the spring and summer. Once you've found the right book(s), you and your child can look through the pictures and plans together to figure out which project is the right one for you. Email or post your book choices or project progress in the Forum!

Photo Courtesy of PriceGrabber