BRADENTON, Fla. — In West Bradenton, dozens of colorful balloons lined the Wilson family’s home.
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“The theme is ‘Ohana’ from 'Lilo and Stitch', that’s Reney’s favorite movie,” says father Jameson Wilson.
In the movie, they quote “Ohana means family, family means no one gets left behind or forgotten.”
And the Wilson family is making sure of that.
“I’m adopted, woohoo!” says Reney Wilson, 3, who has been waiting for her adoption to be finalized her entire life.
“We got here when she was just seven weeks old,” says mother Lynndsey Wilson. “It has been a very long journey, but I am so glad we are here.”
In 2018, they adopted 16-year-old Alexie, and wasted no time getting her biological sister, Reney soon after.
“We do life together, we love each other, and are always there for each other,” says Jameson.
With COVID-19, what would have been a celebration of finalized paperwork in the county courtroom, turned into a drive-thru jubilee Saturday afternoon.
More than 50 cars filled with family, school friends and teachers lined up in the street.
Slowly driving by, honking their horns, they tossed beads, gifts, and kisses out of the window.
“This is so exciting,” says Lynndsey.
Dozens of Manatee County deputies, Fire Rescue and Bradenton police also came by to show some love.
"This is definitely overwhelming … I was not expecting that at all,” says Lynndsey.
Family, can’t be chosen. most of the time.
But for Alexi and Reney, destiny, gave them the best “Ohana,” they could have ever asked for.
“It was a rough process but, I’m so happy,” says daughter Alexi Aimable Wilson.