They came Friday to Denver Juvenile Court as foster children and left with new last names and families.

It was National Adoption Day - a day early. And more than 60 children with their new parents went through the final legal steps to begin their lives with new parents, new siblings, new grandparents and other relatives to call their own.

Two judges and three magistrates asked the adoptive parents the same questions: Will you be responsible for the child's emotional, education and physical needs?

Everyone answered yes.

More importantly, they were asked why the court should rule in their favor. The answers were similar in one respect, one word: love.

'What's really important'

Royal and Judy Scott overcame broken hearts to open their home to two boys, who are now theirs.

"Our son was killed two years ago," said Judy, 42, of Brighton.

Andrew was 22 when he was killed while working on an oil rig in Oklahoma. "It basically came apart, and pieces fell on him," said Royal, 44.

There are times when it's still hard to think about it.

"What good would it do to be bitter?" Judy asked. "It makes you think about what's really important in life. We're not replacing our son."

The couple had been empty-nesters for a few years.

"We didn't like it," Royal said.

Friends from church told them about Project 1.27, a nonprofit organization that has been enrolling volunteers and prospective parents at churches around the state to adopt foster children.

"It's from James 1:27," said Christopher Padbury, co-founder and executive director. "Basically, what is real religion? It's taking care of widows and orphans."

So the Scott family stepped up to take in two unrelated boys, ages 5 and 6, who are now their sons.

"We're just two people trying to make a difference," Judy said.

Judge Donna Schmalberger asked both parents if adopting the boys was in their best interests, and why.

"I believe in my heart that they're my boys, and that in their hearts we're their mommy and daddy," Judy said.

Royal said the boys have adjusted well.

"We're their parents," he said. "They're our kids."

Their daughter, Wendy Stepansky, 23, of Denver, came to support her new family.

"It's awesome," she said. "A lot of kids don't have parents. And they need good ones."

Message from God

Mike and Felicia Hughes, both 44, of Thornton, entered a courtroom Friday morning to formally take Joshua into their home.

"When God tells you to do something, you'd better listen," said Mike, an airline mechanic.

They met Joshua in church seven months ago, when he was 2 months old. A friend who sang in the choir was a foster parent. When it came her turn to sing, she handed Joshua to Felicia to hold.

"This baby fell from the heavens," Felicia said. "We're crazy in love with this baby. After God, he is the center of our universe."

Friends Doug and Linda Whittaker, of Aurora, were present "to share the new blessing in their family," Doug said. "Both the child and the parents hit the lottery."

Growing families

Joseph and Jane Moya, of Denver, waited in the hall for their turn before a judge to adopt Sirvante, a 22-month-old with a big smile and cute squint, when someone asked him to do "pretty eyes."

"We became foster parents to keep him. We've had him so long that we love him to pieces," said Jane, 47, a day-care provider.

Joseph, 53, a mechanic said he has four other sons.

"Another boy isn't going to make a difference," he said.

Then, softening, he said, "I love him to pieces, too."

Their daughter-in-law, Elsie Moya, of Littleton, was sharing in the celebration as well.

"It's a new addition to our family," she said. "I'm the new sister-in-law. That's my children's uncle. He's a new life to my family."

massarog@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-5271

National Adoption Day

Families across the country will celebrate today - Denver did it a day early on Friday. The annual cele- bration has grown from nine events in 2000 to more than 300 events in 2007. Last year, 4,300 adoptions were finalized during events in all 50 states and the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. The organization's goals:

* Finalize adoptions from foster care in all 50 states.

* Celebrate and honor families who adopt.

* Raise awareness about the 129,000 children in foster care waiting for adoption.

* Encourage others to adopt children from foster care.

* Build collaboration among local adoption agencies, courts and advocacy organizations.

* Information: national adoptionday.org

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