It wasn't exactly court as usual in the Adams County courtrooms on Saturday. Stuffed teddy bears and balloons decorated the courtroom, the magistrate was helping tie shoelaces, and fits of giggles while the judge was talking weren't met with a gavel bang and a call to order. But then again, not every court proceeding is as happy as Adoption Day.

National Adoption Day was started 10 years ago to celebrate adoptive families. It allows courts to "open their doors and finalize the adoptions of children from foster care." Omaha was one of nine jurisdictions in the nation to participate during the inaugural year. Adoption Days are get-togethers for the families, attorneys, court staff, foster parents, and case workers to celebrate the adoptions. However, some, like the 10th Judicial District County Court, have the actual court proceedings to finalize adoptions, and then go to the celebration.

Nine adoptions were finalized on Saturday, adding to the more than twenty adoptions that took place in the nine county area since last year. Every new family had a different story of how they came together, and just as diverse were their expectations for the future.

Brent and Sharon Neumiller of Hastings each had children of their own. They became foster parents so they could share their love with someone who needed it. Franklin, now 11 years old, came to live with the Neumillers a year and a half ago. His adoption was finalized on Saturday. Franklin said he's been waiting for a family since he was five.

"It's great," Sharon said of making Franklin's adoption official. "He's got a family. A real mom and dad no matter what. His parents are here for him no matter what."

"And that's what he's always wanted," added Brent. "Somebody to help him learn and be there for him."

The Neumillers are already excited about their future together, and ready to continue doing things they all like such as camping and fishing.

The Wilson family, also of Hastings, added one more to their family on Saturday as well.

Scott Wilson said he's looking forward to future trips with his new family, and going places he's never been. His parents, Troy and Marsha Wilson, might feel the same way, since Scott is their first adoption. The Wilson's said Scott fits right into the middle of their four biological children, both figuratively and age-wise. Marsha said Scott came from a rough background, but his good heart shines through, and they want to do all they can for him.

"You just want to give a kid like that all the opportunity he can possibly get," she said.

The Wilsons said it is hard to explain the benefits that adopting Scott has brought them, because being a foster parent or adoptive parent is different on a case by case basis.

"We just felt like we needed to open our doors and our arms and our hearts," Troy said. "It's [just nice] to give him an opportunity to grow and blossom."

Scott doesn't think the Wilsons are so bad either.

"They're funny," he said. "They're good to be around."

After the court proceedings the families headed to the Adams County Fairgrounds for a football themed celebration with lunch, games, and entertainment. Hall County also had a celebration on Saturday in Grand Island, as did Douglas County in Omaha. Holt and Lancaster counties had their Adoption Day events earlier this month.

The 10th Judicial District County Court covers Phelps, Kearney, Adams, Clay, Fillmore, Harlan, Franklin, Webster, and Nuckolls counties.

For more on Adoption Day, use the links below, or click on the video links above.