Last Thursday, we drove to Fort Worth to readopt Zachary. This was our first car trip in quite some time. The kids did well and we arrived into FW around 9:30pm. Z's adoption was final in China. However, readopting in the US allows the courts to formally recognize the international adoption, so no one can question it. It also gives us a TX birth certificate, which makes it a lot easier for enrolling in school etc.
Friday, the next day, was quite a fun one. We didn't have to be in family court until about noon so we took the morning to visit the headquarters of our adoption agency. It was a very nice visit and we learned a lot about the history of our agency (they have be around for over 100 years). Emily had a great time playing in the play area of the lobby.
While walking around and reading about the history of our agency in the lobby, we came across this picture of Z's Social Welfare Institute (SWI) (orphanage). After a flood, our agency had helped put a new roof on the building. We had known that our agency had helped the SWI after a flood, but it was nice to learn this new piece of information.
Then it was time to grab a quick bite to eat and off to family court. The C family, who traveled with us in China and was with us in Z's province was also readopting that day (it was a group adoption day, so there were about 18 families readopting that day). It was good to see the C family and their daughter M, who shared a room with Z at the SWI.
E and Z wore their silk from China.
The courtroom was filled with over 50 stuffed animals (lambs and bears) and balloons. It was a very festive time.
We were the second to last family to be called up. Once we were up there, our lawyer asked us a bunch of simple questions. We were able to give our camera and video camera to the court staff and they all took pictures for us (everyone was so nice). Here we are with our lawyer (in red). The judge is hiding behind Z.
After we gave our testimony the judge signed the readoption petition and we were allowed to go up on her bench and take some photos. The judge held Z and E got to sit on her desk. The children then each got a stuffed animal and we enjoyed cookies and punch in the jury room!
Here is a shot of E, Z and M playing on the floor while we wait our turn.
The judge said how nice it it to do the group adoption days....both for her and for us. Had we picked a non group day, we would have been on the docket with some unhappy issues that are often dealt with in family court.
