Barneycam premiere at children's hospital

Earlier today, Laura Bush visited sick kids at the Children's National Medical Center, continuing a holiday tradition begun during the Kennedy administration.

The first lady toured a new surgical care unit and spent half an hour with several dozen young patients in the atrium of the hospital in northwest Washington, D.C.

Sitting under a large Christmas tree, she read a version of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" that was written in the style of "'Twas the Night Before Christmas," but still had Rudolph's red nose saving the day for everyone.

"'Twas the day before Christmas and all through the hills, the reindeer were playing, enjoying their spills ..."

The first lady then showed the children the latest video featuring Barney and Miss Beazley, the Bush family's Scottish terriers.

VIDEO: BarneyCam Holiday in the National Parks

In this one, Barney and Miss Beazley run around the White House listening to one human after another, including President Bush and Laura Bush and their twin daughters as well as former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, talk about America's national parks and the dogs' hopes to become junior park rangers.

In the end, the dogs get their wish and Barney and Miss Beazley are annointed junior park rangers. 

After the movie, the first lady agreed to answer a few questions from the kids.

Question: What does Barney like to play with?

Answer: Soccer balls and golf balls.

Question: Does the president have a lot of work to do?

Answer: Yes.

Last question: What's your favorite thing about Christmas?

Answer: Sitting around the Christmas tree with the twins and drinking hot chocolate.

After that, she wished the kids well, said her good-byes, shook hands and posed for photos on her way out of the hospital.