SIX DAY COUNTDOWN!

We're on the final stretch and couldn't be more excited.  We talk about our upcoming trip to the temple everyday. 

 The Bishop told Gracie that she was the only Primary child in our ward with a temple recommend!  She is thrilled to have such an honor.

 McKinley loves her Daddy.  I think she's already a Daddy's girl.  He gets the biggest smiles out of her. 

I am truly so excited to enter the temple with these precious kiddos. 

Almost 10 years ago, I stared into my Ryan's eyes and imagined the things that our future held as we made sacred covenants and promises to each other forever.  At that moment, I had NO IDEA that I would get to be in that very same spot with my sweetheart ten years later as our beautiful baby girl is sealed to our family.  What a blessing.

Official

April 4th, at 1:30 pm, our littlest one was officially declared our daughter.  Gracie, Braden, and Tanner were asked by our attorney what they thought of our little bubble blower.  They said that they loved her and Tanner burst out with "she's our sister."

 It was a pretty neat experience even though it only lasted about 5 minutes or less.  My favorite part of the whole day was when the Judge said she "was happy to make official what was already in our hearts."  Those words really summarized my feelings.  We didn't need anyone to tell us McKinley was part of the family.  She has been part of the family since her birth mom told us she was selecting our family for the adoption and endured that bittersweet placement day.  But there is something that feels so wonderful about having it be official. 

 My sweet Sister in law and her two girls came along to support our family on our big day.  Calley videoed our whole interactions with the judge.  I'm so grateful that we have that. 

 Oh and she took a lot of pictures for us in the court room.

 We waited in the halls outside the court room for our attorney to bring us the adoption decree.

 Then we snapped a picture with our lawyer Albert Lirhus.  He was fantastic.

 Not knowing what the court atmosphere was going to be like, we bribed the kids with Red Robin for good behavior.  Truth be told, we would have gone there anyway to celebrate, but the kids decided that Red Robin was a good incentive and shared their thoughts on the topic with the attorney and the judge!  It was such a happy day.

I'm so thrilled to be declared McKinley's mommy.  It's a dream come true.  We love that girl so much.