Bush primed for wedding

TEXAS | Daughter ties knot on his ranch Saturday

CRAWFORD, Texas -- President Bush stuck out his right elbow Thursday, jokingly demonstrating how he'll escort his daughter down the aisle at her wedding this weekend.

He made the gesture at Andrews Air Force Base before boarding Air Force One for the flight to Texas, where Jenna Bush will be married Saturday before about 200 guests at the family's 1,600-acre, secluded ranch. Asked if he was excited, the president smiled and gave a thumbs-up.

''He's looking forward to it,'' White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe told reporters aboard the plane as it flew from rainy Washington to sunny Texas. ''He's excited like any proud father is to see one of his daughters get married.

''I think he's also going to make sure he gets a good night's sleep tonight so he can stay up late the rest of the weekend and enjoy all the activities.''

First lady Laura Bush is already at the ranch getting ready for the outdoor wedding. Jenna, 26, is tying the knot with longtime boyfriend Henry Hager, who turns 30 on Friday.

More than 200 friends and family are converging at the ranch for the wedding.

Tricia Nixon, one of President Richard Nixon's daughters, was the last child of a president to get married at the White House. She married Edward Cox on June 12, 1971. Since then, other children of presidents have gotten married, but their weddings were not held at the White House.