CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. — It’s not every day you nearly double your family, but that’s exactly what the Hinkles did.
They officially adopted five siblings Friday afternoon, after the kids spent more than four and a half years in foster care.
It solidified what the Hinkles already knew.
“All of the Hinkles want all of you to be their family forever and ever and ever, that’s still true?” asked Judge Sharon LoVallo.
“Yes,” replied the family.
Five newly adopted siblings bring this family to 11 members, with kids ranging from 4 to 27 years old.
“We prayed on it and this is where God led us,” said Roberta Hinkle.
Foster care and adoption are no walk in the park.
“We did have to buy a bigger house,” said Kevin Hinkle.
“And a bigger car,” added Roberta.
For the Hinkles, it’s totally worth it.
“There’s lots of ups and downs,” said Kevin. “You have to be ready for heartbreak. But then there’s the joy that comes with it as well.”
The Hinkles started fostering three of the siblings four and a half years ago.
Then, they found out about two more.
“There are so many kids in foster care who are separated and don’t see their siblings, and it is just heartbreaking because these poor children, this isn't their fault. They don't understand what's going on,” said Roberta. "That was how we made our final decision to bring all five together. We just couldn't bear the thought of them not being together.”
But this story has a happy ending.
“She’s doing it right now, that’s what all those papers are,” exclaimed Kevin to one of the kids.
There was a long drumroll as all five sets of papers were signed.
“Look, she’s doing it,” Kevin remarked.
And then, when it was all said and done...
“You’re forever family,” said LoVallo, as the room erupted with applause.
They were surrounded by everyone who helped make this happen.
“I just hope they can see how much everyone has loved them,” said Roberta.
Fostering and adopting aren't for everyone.
“Foster parents are heroes because you put your heart on the line for a long time, and family court moves glacially slow and we ask so much of you,” said LoVallo.
But maybe this family inspires more people to open their hearts and their homes.
After all, like the Hinkles said, it does have its perks.
“You have to do everything they say and take care of them when they’re old, just so you know,” joked LoVallo.
After the ceremony, the Hinkles said their one-family party is heading right to Kalahari Waterpark in Ohio on a family vacation.