WASHINGTON » President Barack Obama and his family are beginning inauguration day by attending services at St. John’s Episcopal Church near the White House.

The presidential motorcade arrived shortly after 8:30 a.m. under crisp, cold skies outside the sanctuary. The president and first lady Michelle Obama emerged to pose briefly for photos with their daughters Sasha and Malia before entering the church. The first family sometimes attends Sunday worship at the church, which is across Lafayette Park from the White House.

Vice President Joe Biden and his family also were attending.

Meanwhile crowds were gathering at the National Mall to watch Obama take the oath of office later in the morning for his second term.