( CNN ) -- Jenna and Barbara Bush know a lot about growing up in the White House . The Bush twins told Sasha and Malia Obama to `` remember who your dad really is . '' The twin daughters of former President Bush were 7 when their grandfather , former President George H.W . Bush , was inaugurated , and 20 when their father became president . Like their dad , who left a note for President Barack Obama , Jenna and Barbara Bush wrote Tuesday to Obama 's daughters about what to expect in the weeks and months ahead . `` We also first saw the White House through the innocent , optimistic eyes of children , '' the twins wrote in an open letter published in Tuesday 's Wall Street Journal . Growing up in the White House » . The twins reminisce in the letter about important events and historic moments they were able to be part of in a presidential family . But the Bushes also tried to prepare Sasha and Malia for some sobering truths . `` Although it 's an honor and full of so many extraordinary opportunities , it is n't always easy being a member of the club you are about to join , '' they said . `` Our dad , like yours , is a man of great integrity and love ; a man who always put us first . We still see him now as we did when we were 7 : as our loving daddy . '' But as their father was increasingly criticized in the media and mocked by late night comedians , the twins said they learned a lesson . `` He is our father , not the sketch in a paper or part of a skit on TV , '' they wrote . `` Many people will think they know him , but they have no idea how he felt the day you were born , the pride he felt on your first day of school , or how much you both love being his daughters . So here is our most important piece of advice : Remember who your dad really is . '' It helps , wrote the Bushes , to surround yourself with loyal friends . The rest of the letter was more lighthearted , with the twins sharing some of their favorite memories of living in the White House , including playing house and hide-and-seek in what many children would consider to be the ultimate playground . `` When we played house , we sat behind the East Sitting Room 's massive curtains as the light poured in illuminating her yellow walls , '' the girls said . `` Our 7-year-old imaginations soared as we played in the enormous , beautiful rooms ; our dreams , our games , as romantic as her surroundings . At night , the house sang us quiet songs through the chimneys as we fell asleep . '' They also told the Obama girls to embrace any opportunity they had : `` When your dad throws out the first pitch for the Yankees , go to the game . '' `` In fact , go to anything and everything you possibly can : the Kennedy Center for theater , state dinners , Christmas parties ( the White House staff party is our favorite ! ) , museum openings , arrival ceremonies , and walks around the monuments . '' `` Just go , '' they wrote . The twins also reminded Sasha and Malia to be themselves -- kids -- saying even if they travel over holidays like Halloween , the girls should dress up and trick-or-treat down a plane aisle . `` Slide down the banister of the solarium , go to T-ball games , have swimming parties , and play Sardines on the White House lawn , '' the Bush girls said . `` Have fun and enjoy your childhood in such a magical place to live and play . '' Jenna and Barbara Bush told the girls to cherish the pet that their father so publicly promised them . `` Sometimes you 'll need the quiet comfort that only animals can provide , '' they said . `` Four years goes by so fast , '' they wrote . `` So absorb it all , enjoy it all ! ''
Bush twins tell new first kids not to let sketches , skits of dad get to them . Jenna , Barbara Bush tell them to embrace every opportunity . Twins talk of playing house , hide-and-seek in historic White House . Girls say to slide down solarium banister , trick-or-treat on plane if away from home .