First lady greets surprised tourists at the White House

Michelle Obama, with dog Bo, greeted tourists for over an hour

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Image: Michelle Obama greeting tourists in the White House

Chuck Kennedy / The White House

Michelle Obama surprised tourists at the White House Thursday, greeting more than 500 people.

TODAY staff and wire

updated 2/16/2012 6:39:53 PM ET

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School kids visiting the White House got a brief scare when Michelle Obama popped up and warned them there would be a 50-question test at the end of their tour.

With a straight face she warned the youngsters: "You don't get out of the house unless you pass it." But then she quickly reassured them: "I'm kidding."

Slideshow: Michelle Obama's effortless style (on this page)

The first lady, with dog Bo, set up an informal receiving line Thursday, dispensing hugs and handshakes to startled visitors on the morning tour.

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This is the fourth time she's greeted tour visitors in this manner, according to the first lady's press secretary Hannah August.

August told TODAY.com that Mrs. Obama greeted more than 500 people in a little over an hour.

Story: Michelle Obama wears $39.99 Jason Wu for Target dress

When one man told her it was a wonderful home, the first lady agreed, adding jokingly, "We try to keep it up. There's a lot of vacuuming, dusting."

She chatted about fashion, dogs, eating vegetables and more, with surprised visitors.

Video: First lady beats Jimmy Fallon in fitness face-off

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Closed captioning of: First lady beats Jimmy Fallon in fitness face-off

>>> the first lady is proving to be unbeatable. late night host jimmy fallon brought spandex to the white house despite disapproving looks from the first dog and mrs. obama herself. after doing push-ups, twirling hula hoops , hurling dodgeballs and pulling through a tug of war , the first lady won the face-off in a dramatic to the second potato sack race . the fun was all part of michelle obama 's let's move fitness campaign. cue " chariots of fire ." 7:18. back to ann,

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Photos: 2013

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Michelle Obama's effortless style
First lady Michelle Obama looks as sophisticated in designer dresses as she does in outfits from J. Crew. Here is a look at her signature style.

Michelle Obama wears a chic Narciso Rodriguez suit during a visit to Harper High School in Chicago to talk with students about violence on April 10, 2013. (Nancy Stone / Pool via Getty Images) Share Back to slideshow navigation
Making movie magic
Michelle Obama speaks with the cast and crew of the film "42" in the White House on April 2, 2013. From left: actor Harrison Ford, who plays Major League Baseball executive Branch Rickey and Rachel Robinson, widow of Jackie Robinson. (Mandel Ngan / AFP - Getty Images) Share Back to slideshow navigation
Story time
Michelle Obama, in white pants and a J. Crew floral T-shirt, smiles as her daughters Malia and Sasha read a children's book to kids during the annual Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House on April 1, 2013. (Jonathan Ernst / Reuters) Share Back to slideshow navigation
Easter stoll
President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, wearing a Prabal Gurung dress and coat, walk through Lafayette Park with daughters Sasha and Malia to St. John's Episcopal Church on March 29, 2013 in Washington, DC. (Jim Watson / AFP - Getty Images) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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Pre-Easter celebration
Michelle Obama, wearing a J. Crew sweater set, and first family dog Bo participate in a pre-Easter celebration with military families and children at the Fisher House, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, in Bethesda, Maryland, on March 20, 2013. (Jewel Samad / AFP - Getty Images) Share Back to slideshow navigation
Cover girl
Mrs. Obama appears on the cover of the April issue of Vogue, which hits stands on March 26, wearing a Reed Krakoff dress in pictures by famed photographer Annie Leibovitz. (Annie Liebovitz / Vogue via Getty Images) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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Portrait of a lady
The White House unveiled a new official portrait for first lady Michelle Obama for the President's second term. This photo was taken in the Green Room of the White House on Feb. 12, 2013. (Chuck Kennedy / The White House) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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State of the Wu-nion
Prior to President Obama's State of the Union Speech on Feb. 12, 2013, Michelle Obama gives a thumbs up in a black-and-crimson Jason Wu dress. (Jim Bourg / Reuters) Share Back to slideshow navigation
Gorgeous in green
The president and first lady attend the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 7, 2013. Michelle Obama wore a classic conservative green wool dress with a sparkly brooch. (Chris Kleponis / Pool via EPA) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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Wu-ing crowds once again
For the second time, Michelle Obama opted to wear a Jason Wu dress to her husband's inaugural festivities in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 21, 2013. She accessorized the ruby-colored chiffon and velvet gown with a handmade diamond embellished ring by jewelry designer Kimberly McDonald and shoes by Jimmy Choo. Here, she waves to attendees at the Commander-in-Chief's Ball. (Rick Wilking / Reuters) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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Prim and proper
President Barack Obama, right, and first lady Michelle Obama watch the Inaugural parade down Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington with their daughters, Malia, left, and Sasha, not pictured here, from the presidential box near the White House on Jan. 21, 2013. Mrs. Obama is wearing a Thom Browne dress accompanied by a Reed Krakoff sweater and Cathy Waterman earrings. (Gerald Herbert / AP) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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Sparkling and sophisticated
First lady Michelle Obama and Jill Biden are seen as President Barack Obama speaks to supporters and donors at an inaugural reception for the 57th Presidential Inauguration at The National Building Museum in Washington on Jan. 20. Michelle wore a black sequined Michael Kors boat neck dress. (Charles Dharapak / AP) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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A private ceremony
President Barack Obama, left, takes the oath of office for his second presidential term on Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013 in the Blue Room of the White House. First lady Michelle Obama, center, holds the Bible and daughter Malia looks on. Mrs. Obama is wearing a navy blue dress and cardigan by American designer Reed Krakoff. (Larry Downing / Pool via Getty Images) Share Back to slideshow navigation
Relaxed and stylish
First lady Michelle Obama, center, and her daughters Sasha, left, and Malia. right, appear onstage at the start of the Kids' Inaugural concert for children and military families on Jan. 19. Mrs. Obama wore a white Alexander McQueen shirt and black pants to the event, which was emceed by Nick Cannon and featured performances by Katy Perry and Usher. (Jonathan Ernst / Reuters) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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Day of service
First lady Michelle Obama paints a bookshelf at Burrville Elementary School in Washington, D.C., during a Day of Service on Jan. 19, 2013. At the volunteer event, which was part of the 57th presidential inauguration weekend, Mrs. Obama wore a flattering casual outfit and showed off her new bangs. (Jewel Samad / AFP - Getty Images) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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