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Santa gives 3 boys adoption for Christmas
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The Smith family. - photo by Megan Marsden Christensen
PRESTON, Idaho Most kids want toys for Christmas, but the newest members of the Smith family had an extra request: They wanted to be adopted.

The large request was tucked and sealed inside their letters to Santa and sent to the man in the red suit. And as per usual, jolly ol St. Nick delivered.

On Thursday, Dec. 17, the adoption of 7-year-old Dylan, 6-year-old Levi and 4-year-old Cooper was finalized; ending an almost two-year custody battle for parents Jessica and Robert Smith.

The boys came to live with the Smiths now parents of 12 in January 2014 until the end of the school year. In February, their parents decided to fight for custody.

The same day the adoption was finalized, Kris Kringle paid a visit to the Smiths and presented them with their special presents.

In a video uploaded to YouTube, the Smiths gather around to hear the big news. After hearing about the adoption, one child said, Santa can really do anything.

Dylan repeatedly kisses the unofficial adoption certificate Santa presented, and Levi and Coopers excitement is also evident.

The boys, Jessica Smith said, have wanted to be adopted for a long time and were really excited. Dylan has been writing Smith as his last name at school for a year.

I feel incredibly relieved, Jessica Smith said of the adoption.

The last two years have been emotionally taxing, she said, and her heart broke for them thinking about what would happen if the boys biological parents wanted to take them away.

Jessica Smith said she is glad they can move forward as a family and get back to their daily routine.

The Smith kids enjoy quilting and have sold their quilts to raise money for the adoption. A GoFundMe account was also set up to raise funds.
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