TRAVERSE CITY -- There will be four extra mouths to feed at the Kennedy family Thanksgiving table this year -- and plenty to be thankful for.
John and Connie Kennedy, of Interlochen, were among 13 area families who finalized 20 adoptions Tuesday on Michigan Adoption Day at the Grand Traverse County Courthouse.
The Kennedys, who adopted four siblings ages 8-13, are no strangers to the adoption process. In addition to three birth children, the couple has adopted 15, including a girl and three boys who are the most recent additions.
"I can't imagine not having all of them. It is great to come home and get all of the hugs," said John, who has not ruled out additional adoptions.
"We said that was it 12 children ago, and here we are," said Kennedy, who along with his wife has also taken in a number of foster children over the past 16 years.
"Adoption has definitely made me more patient, made me a better person," said Connie, noting that learning from her children has broadened her horizons.
Ed and Dana Burley, of Traverse City, call their family yours-mine-ours-adopted-and foster. The couple each brought children to their marriage before they had a child of their own. Since then, five more children have joined the Burley home, including a 3-year-old boy and 5-year-old girl during Tuesday's proceedings. The Burleys, who are also grandparents, share their home with a 17-month-old foster child as well.
"I always knew that I wanted to adopt since I was in my early teens," said Dana Burley, who is recognized around town as the lady with all the kids.
"It is pretty easy to open our hearts and our home to these kids," Burley said.
Grand Traverse was one of 30 counties across the state Tuesday that participated in the sixth annual Adoption Day, finalizing adoptions and working to raise awareness of children in need of a home. In Traverse City, family court Judge David Stowe presided over the adoption ceremony.
"By far, this is the most enjoyable part of my job. Just to see the love and happiness in these families is a great thing," Stowe said.
Amanda and Matthew Perry, of Traverse City, are eager to share a lifetime of love with the 4-month-old son they adopted Tuesday.
"We are thrilled to be a part of this big celebration," said Amanda, who was at the birth of her son and brought him home from the hospital.
The couple, who always planned to adopt, felt what Amanda calls "a very strong tap on the shoulder" last fall when they decided they didn't want to wait until they had children of their own to open their hearts to a child.
"Just about the same time the birth mother found out she was pregnant, we decided 'what are we waiting for' and began the adoption process," said Perry, who along with her husband invited family members from across the country to celebrate the day with them.
"We have a lot to be thankful for this year," she said.
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