Today we had the opportunity to take the new girls to Warren County Probate Court and have their names legally changed and an Ohio Birth-Certificate issued.  It is the final part of the process of adopting them and we are now complete!

I am not sure how many times they have to send out Probate Court notices in triplicate!

The process was overseen by Chief Magistrate Carolyn Duvelius, who is always such a kind and caring public servant.  Unfortunately, SOME of our children have had to opportunity to see her more that others (read that: underage traffic violations).  But she has always been kind and fair.

In addition, Warren County Probate & Juvenile Judge Joe Kirby came by to visit and take a picture with the family.  He has been a wonderful asset to our family over the years, helping us with adoption paperwork and being overall supportive of the growth of our family.  He is not just a great judge;  he is a great man.  So happy that we got to see him today.

In the past, the judge would give each of the kids an American Flag at the end of this court appearance, but Judge Kirby decided to do something different when he came into office and commissioned a commemorative coin, which you can see below.

On the front side is the Court of Warren County Ohio Seal and on the reverse side is the State of Ohio, Judge Kirby’s name, and a quote that reads, “Family … where life begins and love never ends.”  It is a pretty awesome way to remember the day.

Time to close the door on this adoption and move forward to the next!  God has made this process so very rewarding.  It is always a blessing to follow His will.

Cameron

Not far from our home is a small airport that is part of the Dayton International Airport system.  Last year, in 2013, they decided to have a “Runway Fest” and we planned on attending.  Then, as many of you may remember, Luke decided to have some stomach pain after falling from a swing set and ended up taking a little ambulance ride down to Dayton Children’s.

In the end, he was fine, but we missed the inaugural event.  So, this year we made plans to attend.  Thankfully, Luke looked much better this year!

They had several bounce houses, which the little guys took advantage of.

And some of the older ones!

Then it was off to face painting!

The lady painting Ali’s face asked her if she was part Indian!  China IS close to India, but I don’t think that is the type of “Indian” she was speaking about.   After waiting for one particular lady to paint her face, Brittany gave up and just went with the next available.

Those that didn’t do face painting went and had balloon designs done by Sparkles the Clown!

I have to be honest, this lady made some impressive balloon items!

Everything from flowers …

To guns …

To super impressive butterfly’s!

The only down side was having to wait in line forever to get to her!

SOME people were not overly excited to have their picture taken with their balloon design.

But ultimately I wore her down!

In the end, the entire group was up for a picture.

The Brickners and the Gallaghers showed up after awhile …

… and brought along a TON of issues …

The look on Ali’s face pretty much mimics my thought process.   Who in their right mind puts a baby in Kelly’s arms!  This just starts those maternal desires to percolate!  Thankfully we were able to share the wealth with some of the girls.  First Leah:

Then Ali:

That Ali sure loves babies!  Just like her mother!

All that activity made people a little thirsty.

And a little crazy!

This airport has several Wright B Flyers on display, and Luke has always wanted to see them, so we went by the hanger.  They had some handouts detailing the Wright B that was used to teach pilots how to fly.

Along with a full version of the airplane.

There was also an RTA bus available to people to walk through.  Yes.  That is correct.  The city brought a bus out for people to look at.  The same one you can ride on any day of the week.

At least they brought a “Plinko” game with them, and virtually ALL the kids won whistles.  It is going to be a very loud week at our home.

The Dayton International Airport Fire Department brought one of their big firetrucks down and Ali took a turn at the wheel.

The Dayton Police Department had one of their dogs out for the kids to pet.

We finished the night off as all nights should be finished … with funnel cakes!

It was a really fun night, and there was a ton of stuff to do for free, which works well with the ol’ entertainment budget!

I will leave you with a goodbye picture!

Cameron