When first lady Michelle Obama took the stage at UC Merced's Class of 2009 commencement ceremony, the second action she took was to ask the crowd to applaud the 511 graduating students sitting in front of her.
"I am just so proud of these graduates," Obama said. "And to the graduates and their families and the entire community of Merced, I am so pleased, so thrilled, so honored to be here with all of you today."
Dear First Lady Michelle Obama, Welcome to Merced. On behalf of the entire community, we want to thank you for graciously accepting our invitation to speak at the commencement for the inaugural graduating class of 2009 at the University of California, Merced.
I must admit I had a personal and private moment with the first lady. After her WONDERFUL speech, the Michelle had to head out due to another commitment she had elsewhere. After watching her speech I had to run to the local mall to buy Gregory a pair of shoes that he's been hounding me for a while. As I left the house I thought to myself "If she has to run out this instant I'd bet she would be flying out of Castle Airforce Base" (which isn't too far from where I live). I then made an immediate left (supposed to be turning right to head to the mall) and drove about 2 miles where I reach the intersection of "M" street and Bellevue avenue. Low and behold, I see cop cars and a road that is blocked off. I then notice a man outside of his truck with a camera and I immediately get out of my car and ask, "Is she heading this way?" He answered, "I believe so and if you'd like, you may stand up in the back of my pickup to see her pass by". Well, I hopped up in his pickup like a teenager headed to a party and what did I see coming my way??? TWO VEHICLES BEING ESCORTED BY POLICE WITH LIGHTS FLASHING AND GOING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED! Yes, you guessed it right, it was the First Lady headed to CAFB! As the vehicles passed us by the man and I began to wave and SHE WAVED BACK AT US!!!!! I nearly cried with excitement!! It was like a rush I never felt before. Not only did the First Lady come to Merced, she WAVED at me! After they passed us, a very nice police officer came up to us and said "Kind of hard to take a picture when they are driving 70mph huh?" I answered, "Who needs pictures when you have a picture in your mind and heart that the First Lady waved at me?" He smiled and said, "Awesome feeling huh?" I answered, "THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR LETTING US STAY AND HAVE THIS MOMENT"
I will NEVER, EVER forget that moment for as long as I live! Thank You again, Michelle Obama for coming to Merced and taking part of our FIRST graduation ceremony for UC Merced....
The Waiting game...
The Arrival
There she is! The Birthday Girl
Huggs from Shannon
Greeting her friends and family 
The Cake
So Pretty
Look at those candles
Her Invitation
The Gift Table
Table Centerpiece
Birthday Girl so happy!!
Holly & Joe
Carol & I 
Me, Carol, Sherrie, Holly, & Joe
Carol, Me, Holly, Sherrie
The "girls"
Again! Having so much fun takin pics
Sandy, Shannon, & Annie
Monty, Annie, & Bobby
Suzanne & Don
Traci, Susan, & Lyndsi
Rachel, Stephanie, Sherry, Suzanne, & Shannon
Sherry, Shannon, Suzanne, & Julianne
BFF's
Annie & Suzanne
Vanessa & Shannon
The "Parents Table"
Dancin'
