January 1, 2009 Obamas the early birds in Washington Play video

(NECN) - Barack Obama will move his family to Washington this weekend, earlier than originally planned.

The Obamas planned the move so that daughters Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7, can begin classes on Monday at the private Sidwell Friends School.

The Obamas had asked about Blair House, the government official residence across Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House, but it is booked solidly through January 15th.

Instead, the President-elect's family will stay at the historic Hay-Adams hotel.

The first day at a new school for Obama's daughters isn't the only Washington agenda item this week.

Tuesday brings the swearing-in of a new Congress, one with bigger Democratic majorities that Obama hopes will help to swiftly pass the economic recovery package he wants to sign soon after taking office.

And on Wednesday, Bush has scheduled a White House lunch for Obama and the former presidents.