It was a big day for more than 5,000 kids across the country who had their adoptions finalized as part of National Adoption Day.
More than 200 children became part of new families on Friday at a Los Angeles courthouse.
The new families smiled and shed tears as the day some have waited years for finally arrived.
As the families headed into the courtrooms, a 10-year-old boy could be heard saying, "This is the best day ever!"
The children and their parents were decked out for the big day, some in matching dresses, others in inspirational T-shirts.
All wore big smiles as they officially become members of their new families on National Adoption Day.
"I am over the moon," said Gia Vasquez, an adoptive mother. "I feel so blessed and honored to be able to say she is legally ours."
Gia and Joe Vazquez started fostering Katie the day she was born. That was 3 and a half years ago. Today she's putting on her princess dress for her adoption ceremony and big brother Isaiah couldn't be happier.
"I'm excited," said Isaiah. "I've been an only child for a very long time."
Drew and Jennifer Bryson have also waited three years for this day.
"These kids are in this position not because of anything they've done and they deserve to be loved and cared for," Bryson said.
The Brysons have two biological children and are adopting 3-year-old Damian and his 6-year-old brother Bryan, who is so excited for this day, he's been marking the days off on his calendar.
"Because I'm going to be a Bryson," Bryan said.
Finally that moment arrived.
"Bryan Josiah Bryson, yay!" he said raising his hand.
With joyous relatives and friends looking on, court Commissioner Emma Castro made it official for both children.
"Congratulations folks the adoptions are now completed," she said.
A family photo will forever mark the day the phrase on their matching shirts became true, "I once was lost, but now am found."
