Etame's Adoption Finalization Day

Last Friday we had a court appointment to finalize Etame's adoption here in the US.  Although she was legally adopted by us through the paperwork while in Ethiopia, this means she will receive a US Birth Certificate which will make it much easier for her to do things when she is older such as get married (gasp!) and apply for a job. 

It was a hot day already at 9:30 in the morning.

Ready!  She is wearing a special little dress from Grandma and Grandpa and her little cross from them as well.  We all had necklaces on - Calvin and I from Ethiopia, and Landon from Mexico (his shark tooth prized possession - not sure of the connection but it felt special to him).  Everyone looked very sharp.

Here we are walking up the steps the courthouse.  Landon makes sure not to miss any good photo opp.

With the judge.  There were several families there that day and they say it's their happy day since it's the only time anyone ever wants to come to court.  Two other international adoption families were present as well so it was fun to talk with them.

Etame and Landon were both given teddy bears and we all shook the judges hand and were sent on our way!