WASHINGTON — Barbara Bush began her summer vacation today, flying to Kennebunkport, Me., for rest and recreation and lots of family time until after Labor Day.

Anna Perez, the First Lady's press secretary, said Mrs. Bush's vacation schedule calls for "playing with her grandchildren, messing around in the garden and catching up on her correspondence." The First Lady may return to the White House for a day or two next week to attend the game between the Texas Rangers--partly owned by her son George Bush--and the Baltimore Orioles.

The President is scheduled to join his wife in Kennebunkport on Aug. 18. The Bushes plan to remain at the seaside estate on the rocky coast of Maine until Sept. 5.