One good bye hug from Grandpa Hillick...
and to Grandma before they head back to Canton. Can you tell I am really hot and tired?
And with that I am out before we even leave the parking lot. I had the most amazing Graduation and so many good times to help me celebrate. I am so proud to be from the Class of 2008!!!
So we all went out to see Ridge in his stall and to place this plaque on the door.
It says: "In Celebration of Sarah Ellen Ely and the Brush High Class of 2008." It will stay there all year so each time I come for my riding session I will see it. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to all my friends and family. You have made me so happy and you have helped the riding program that helps so many others.
She was only eight at the time and we became great friends. I was so excited that she got to come to my graduation party. She is a social worker now at Akron Children's Hospital so some weekends she is on call.
When I sat down to open my cards and gifts there was a big bag. It was from Lisa. I pulled out this frame. I immediately recognized all of the pictures and logos.
Then Lisa came to read some of it to me. It is so sweet. My mom started to cry. I think some other people did too. 
If you click on this photo you should be able to read it. You will see what I liked to do growing up but my favorite box says: "Thanks for all the great memories and those yet to come. I love you and am so glad you are a part of my life. I would not be who I am today without you." My mom says that is the greatest gift of all, making a difference in someone elses life. I am truly a lucky girl.
I had chocolate.
It was very good.
Then I had a few cards to open. You may remember from my invitation that we asked people to not bring gifts. I still got a few neat things. TJ read the cards to me. 
Here I am with Mrs. Kent. She is very dear to me. She was the PTA President when I was in elementary school. She was also my softball coach. She has been such a great friend to me over the years. She and Mr. Kent have a special little angel in heaven. I think he has been helping to watch over of me and I am lucky that he has shared his mommy with me. I love Mrs. Kent. 
Hmm...I wonder what this could be? 
The volunteers put purple bows in his mane and his tail. Now for a minute I was not happy about that because he is a BOY. Then I realized it was just to make him look special for my party.
I am showing everybody how to brush his coat with your hand.
And I am showing them his bone spur on his leg.
I think Cathy wants to pet him but she is a little afraid.
Oh that's better. Lizzy and Jessie are not afraid.
I think they like him. Well time to go inside for lunch and cake.
It's time to do just that.
Do you notice anything unusual about Ridge today?
Well I got to go now, but I will tell you about it later.
Oh look, my friends are watching me ride.
Here I come back from a quick trail ride. I think I will take Ridge in to cool him off and then bring him back out so my friends can see him up close. 
This is Mr. Wolf. His wife Sally works with my dad and his daughter Katie used to sit with me after school. Do you see the sign behind us. One of the volunteers here made it for me.
I'm getting a hug from Jennifer. She is in charge of the therapeutic horse program.
And here is Kelly and her mom Kim. They live across the street from me.
Ohhh and of course Grandpa Hillick is here.
Here is Cathy. She works with my dad too. She has known me since I was tiny.
Here is my best friend Stacy. I am so excited. There are so many people here for me.
I will be riding my horse soon so I put my helmet and gloves on.
Look they painted the observation window to say Congrats Sarah.
Two cakes for me. My school colors are brown and gold. 
One chocolate and one vanilla.
We must leave the Vanderbilt Beach Resort and the Turtle Club.
It has been the perfect place to have my southern graduation celebration.
These were very nice condos. My mom really liked that we had a kitchen and a washer and dryer. My dad really liked that it wasn't too expensive. I really loved that it was right on the beach just like I wanted.
We stayed in condo 101. How do you like that little turtle on the door?
Well TJ is getting impatient, so we better go. Besides I have to get home because I am having a big graduation party in Cleveland on Saturday!!! I can't wait.
He is acting like the water is a little cold. It gets better dad once you're in.
Ever since I was a little girl, we always take this pose in the water.
Dad helps me float on my back. That is the one thing I have trouble doing when I am swimming.
Ahh, piggy back rides. Just like when I was little.
According to Matt, it is time to dance on deck. I don't know who we are dancing for, there are no girls out there.
Because if you look closely a bad storm is coming across the Gulf of Mexico. The sky is getting very dark. We think it will be here in about 20 minutes, so we better run back to the condo.
I'm taking my iPod and headphones.
I found a nice relaxing lounge chair. We are the only people here again.
Oh TJ, you are so funny. C'mom it is not that cold.
Look out here comes Matt making a big splashy entry.
I am warming up to it the delicate way.
Time for a few laps.
Do you notice I have learned to swim without getting too much of my hair wet.
Now the boys are playing frisbee. Right. Over. My. Head.
I'm just going to keep on swimming and pretend I do not see them.
OK, you win. I'm leaving...
