LANSING, Mich. (WSYM) — After more than 30 years of bringing families together for Christmas, a local judge is celebrating his last few adoption ceremonies.
The Millers are now officially a family of four.
"I think of them as family because they've taken care of me for a really long time," said 10-year-old Ava Miller who was adopted Tuesday.
Ava has unofficially been a part of the family for nine years.
"It's kind of like your wedding day where you get to assume the name of your partner and know that you're going to have a glorious life together," said Grace Miller, Ava's adopted mom.
Judge R. George Economy began the tradition of Christmas adoptions 32 years ago.
Thursday will be his last adoption before he retires.
"Seeing the families reunite in a moment of love, making forever families, does it get any better than that? I don't think so," said Judge Economy.
"We're really thankful Judge Economy gets to do this one also because he did his brother's, too," said Emily Blakely, Nathaniel and Owen's adopted mom.
The Blakely family adopted their son Nathaniel two years ago.
Tuesday, his brother Owen became a Blakely, too.
"We're a family. It's how it's supposed to be," said Mark Blakely, Nathaniel and Owen's adopted dad.
Both families have overcome obstacles to make it to this day.
"One day, I just said, "Hey God, you know all the children in the world.' Within a week and a half, we met Ava so I knew she was meant for us," said Grace Miller.
27 children will become part of local families within the next three days.
