Relief, Frustration, Nerves, Joy, Fun!

Last week was a kind of a nerver-wracking week. We spent the entire week fretting about the impending court date we had on Friday the 7th for Amber and Hugh to sign the relinquishments. Our worries did not lie in whether or not Amber and Hugh would sign, but if the Tribe would try to refuse letting them sign. I know Amber and Hugh were in knots,too.

They arrived on Thursday at 2pm and we had a quiet evening at home just reconnecting and chillin', oh and laughing. Amber and Hugh bestowed gifts on all 3 of us. They got us each a Disney mug (Mickey and Pooh) and got Aedyn a cute wintery stuffed Pooh bear. Amber's parents,Kelli and Larry, were kind of enough to extend the love of caffeine with a Starbucks card and got Aedyn the cutest little blankie called a Taggie with his name embroidered on it!Amber got to hold Aedyn, and visit with him, as Hugh made "Wookie"sounds and helped Shane fix the trains around the Christmas tree! It was nice having them here. My mom came to watch Aedyn because our lawyer said it was not a good idea to have him in the courtroom. We all tried to get some sleep,but it was hard to rest easy.

The next morning we all made it to the court in Ventura where Amber and Hugh signed the Indian Reliquishments in front of the judge. They had to be sworn in and everything. (the consents were signed as a precautionary and strategic move in anticipation that the tribe would make Hugh or Aedyn a member). Our lawyer actually asked some pertinent questions from them about whether or not they think Aedyn is an Indian child, and whether or not Hugh leads an Indian lifestyle. This was good because if the tribe continues to pursue the matter then when we go back to court for an actual hearing, and their testimony will be valid because it was recorded by the court reporter. Oh by the way, as of now Aedyn is not an Indian child, but if the tribe decides to make Hugh or Aedyn a member, (they can do this at any time before finalization), then we will have to battle this in court because he will then be considered an indian child. It's complicated, and as the judge said, "this is an unprecendented case."

Amber and Hugh were wonderful! I was so proud of both of them. My hands were sweating and all Shane and I had to do was sit there! They are strong young people, and we are glad to have them a part of our lives!Their visit was short because they had to fly home Friday night to be back for a wedding the next day in Reno!

Saturday morning we had a wonderful cuddle and playtime in our bed, where Aedyn just cooed, and smiled. He always wakes up in the best moods! After my Mom left to go home Saturday afternoon, Charity and Willow came to visit and stayed until Sunday afternoon. Willow is such an attentive cousin. She has such a loving nature and she actually helped us give Aedyn a bath. (Word to the wise, Never go to Denny's on a Saturday night!) Inside joke. It was nice to have our house full of people we love.

After Charity and Willow left we went home, ate, took a short unexpected nap, then headed out to Zender's Christmas store, one of our favorite places to visit during Christmas time. The whole store becomes a winter wonderland, they have complimentary cider and cookies, and they have an awesome train and mountain town display, which of course Shane loves!

All in all, a great weekend!