finally finalized

After flying into Las Vegas, Isaac's parents picked us up at the airport and we headed to St. George. It had been an incredibly long day, but we were so excited to see Arlianne again. Let me tell you, she looked amazing! We had a nice time at Texas Roadhouse with her family and friends, then we headed back to the Lake's condo (thank you!) to crash before our big day in court.




Arlianne and Isaac's parents came with us to court, and there was sure a lot of emotion in that courtroom. Hazel, darling, you are so loved. 

Isaac and I were sworn in and asked a few questions by our lawyer, such as: are you atleast 21 years old, do you love this baby, does she love you, etc. The judge then reviewed our post-placement home study, told us what a great day this was, and pronounced that on October 8, six months and six days after Hazel came into our lives, we were officially a family!




After the legal business was done, the judge left his bench and came in another door to take pictures with us. When he walked into the room, we all just turned and stared at him, and Isaac said "you are a tall man!" He was indeed. As we were getting ready to leave, the judge turned to our lawyer and said, "I have a very serious and important question for you.... have you done your home teaching?"






It was an amazing and surreal experience. We had waited so, so long to become parents! And not just any parents, but Hazel's parents. Nothing could be sweeter.