We are Family

It happened.  We became a legal, official and FOREVER family!  August 28, 2013 will always be an important date for our family.  It still hasn't even sunk in that it has happened! It still seems like little has really changed and yet a huge weight has been lifted.

We had a great adoption day.  Our family woke up early.  Everyone was looking good and we headed out to eat breakfast together.  The twins ate Mickey Mouse pancakes.  (I don't know why, but those are always more fun than a short stack!).  We dropped the puppies off at daycare (they needed someone to celebrate with -- right?).  Then we were headed down to the courthouse when we realized we had to turn back home to get the corsages and boutonnieres that we left in the fridge.

When we arrived, we took some photos and then we were greeted by other families and friends who came to witness this wonderful event.  Then our case was called into the courtroom.  The girls sat at one table. The men from the family at the others.  We were surrounded by people who have shown love and support throughout our journey.  Each one of us had to testify. The judge called us all up, and the kiddos got to bang on the gavel to make their adoptions official. Then there were more pictures.

It was wonderful.  Sure we had some hiccups (like the t-shirts I had made for families members were stolen and a friend who came to the courthouse couldn't find us).  We just couldn't let that steal our joy away. We made it our day.  We went out for a Mexican lunch. The kids had nachos. The adults had great conversations with lots of laughter. The cousins were so happy for each other.  It was AWESOME!

Then we went to see Despicable Me II in the movie theaters.  It was a great time for our family. Daddy even let us all pick out our favorite treats and popcorn!

How does one end a day like that? Pizza and happy hour slushies from Sonic. Yes, for us... it was a pretty perfect day.  Now we can say, without any other adjectives... We ARE family.... and we will forever be family.