On October 2nd, 2012, Alora's adoption was officially finalized! 

Here's Garrett, Alora, and me posing with the Judge at the Juvenile Court.

 It felt so nice to have all legal loose ends tied up. I felt like a weight had been lifted off by having the adoption finalized. I guess waiting for things to be finalized was more stressful for me than I realized at the time!

We were all smiles! Alora was very well behaved in the court room, though she did "speak" out of turn a few times in the form of baby talk to the Judge. 

We got some photos taken on the Mesa Temple grounds for Alora's adoption announcement.  

It took Alora a while to stop being shy for the camera. She was pretty interested in the photographer and studied her very closely so she didn't smile all that much. 

 The weekend of celebration arrived! My best friend from Canada flew in on October 12th. 

She and Alora met for the first time. Alora loved her Auntie Lisa!

On Saturday, October 13th, Alora was sealed to Garrett and I in the Mesa Temple. 

We had lots of family come. It was good to get an updated family photo! 

My side 

Garrett's side ... though there were more people from his side there and I'm hoping that as pictures trickle in from other family members at the event that I'll get a more complete picture.

We had a luncheon after the sealing to celebrate Alora's adoption. My Aunt Susan made her famous Buttermilk Chocolate Cake (aka Trenchbull Cake) for the occasion. It was DELICIOUS! Alora got a taste of the icing. I think she'll end up with a sweet tooth like me! 

April, Amber, Grandma Nelson, and me 

Mary Jane with Alora, Jared, and Aunt Candy. I only saw Alora a couple of times during the luncheon...and each time I saw her she was in the arms of a different friend or relative! Considering all the stimulation she got and all the different people talking to her and holding her, she held up very well. 

Garrett chatting with Aunt Denise and Terri 

 When evening arrived, a few family members gathered at my parent's house for ice cream sundaes. Here's Papa and Mary Jane with Alora. Without them, we never would have adopted Alora. We're very grateful to them for connecting us with Alora's amazing birthmother!

Alora and some of her cousins.

It was a wonderful weekend! Thank you so much to our family and friends for coming and celebrating with us! Below is the video we showed at the luncheon about Alora.