It was an amazing experience to be included in this event! I'm the type of person that cries when the 'I dos' are exchanged, and when heartfelt stories are shared at funerals, so y'all can imagine I was shedding a lot of happy tears at this event.

I met Anna, Paul Sr., Alexis, Paul Jr., and Michael about a year and a half ago, when Anna and Alexis joined my Girl Scout troop, and this sweet duo has been a blessing in my life ever since.

We all arrived at the Valencia County Court House on the morning of November 13th a bundle of excited nerves. We couldn't wait to get the show on the road.

Soon, everyone arrived, and Judge Allan Smith entered. He proceeded through the formalities, only hesitating to make sure every last detail was in order. Once he was assured of that, he asked Alexis if this adoption was what she wanted, and she happily responded, "Yes!"

Judge Smith made it even more special by allowing Alexis and Paul Jr. to bang the gavel and pronounce it finalized. He then happily posed for a few photos with the family.

We stopped for a few more photos in front of the courthouse before leaving for the Los Lunas River Park to take some formal portraits.

It was an amazing experience to be part of this adoption story, and I want to wish the entire Benavidez Family the very best for their future.

Update 7/8/2024:

Sadly, I have lost touch with the Benavidez family through the years. I sincerely hope they’re doing well!

I should have recognized him the in original blog post, but Judge Allen Smith of Los Lunas was the Judge who presided over this adoption ceremony. I’ve had the absolute honor of getting to know Judge Smith better through the years, and he is definitely the man for this job!