A large group of people with signs gathered in Diamond Park on May 29.

But they weren't protesting pandemic shutdowns or police brutality. They were there to congratulate Cadie, Brody and Cody Conklin on being adopted.

“It's hard to be a foster parent,” said Melissa Conklin, 36, who adopted the three siblings with her husband, Joshia, 45. “This day was totally worth it.”

“It feels kind of like I can breathe more,” Joshia said.

Melissa and Joshia have known Cadie, Brody and Cody since 2017. The siblings — who are 5-, 4- and 2½-years-old, respectively — first came into the Conklins' care as foster children.

“Josh and I ... have been doing foster care for about five years,” Melissa said. “We've been waiting so long.”

The Conklins decided to become foster parents — and eventually adopt — because they couldn't have children, Melissa said. To date, they've brought 36 children into their home.

Although Melissa has a 12-year-old biological daughter, Sydney, the Conklins got into foster care for one major reason.

“There's so many kids who need a home,” Melissa said.

Melissa said the May 29 court proceedings took about 15 minutes. Under normal circumstances, the Conklins would have been able to invite as many people as they could fit into the courtroom for the event.

But because the courthouse still had gathering restrictions due to COVID-19 at that time, visitors were limited to only immediate family.

Even Sydney had a hard time claiming a spot in the courtroom. The Conklins were able to bring her along by having her replace the photographer.

“It was kind of all (of a) sudden,” Sydney said. “Mom said that I'm way more important than a photographer.”

As acting photographer, Sydney documented the proceedings by video recording and taking photos. It's just one of many examples of how Sydney is a big sister to Cadie, Brody and Cody, Melissa said.

“Sydney has learned to adjust to just about anything,” Melissa said. “She's a huge help.”

When the adoption proceedings were over, the Conklins walked across the street to celebrate outside with family and friends.

The idea to gather in Diamond Park came from the people the Conklins couldn't bring into the courtroom with them.

Among the 40 or so people in attendance were Melissa and Joshia's parents and grandparents, siblings, nieces, nephews and friends. Some of Melissa's co-workers who couldn't be there in person witnessed the court proceedings on Zoom.

“It was nice,” Melissa said. “A support group is a great thing to have.”

Joshia said there isn't always support in place for foster parents. Having a support network helps families work through foster needs.

“Between my wife and my family, we have a bunch of support,” Joshia said.

The Conklins celebrated privately with a small group of people May 29. But because gathering regulations were still in place, they couldn't enjoy the full effect of welcoming Cadie, Brody and Cody into their family.

Now that the county has moved to green, the Conklins intend to have a big shindig.

“Just to celebrate,” Melissa said.

The pandemic disrupted more than adoption day for the Conklins. Joshia stayed home with the children the past few months while Melissa, a Butler Memorial Hospital employee, went to work.

“He's been the stay-at-home dad,” Melissa said. “He's able to pick up the pieces.”

Sydney has also been learning to cook and help at home. Her work is a big part of the Conklins being able to function as a family, Melissa said. Sydney said she doesn't mind helping.

“It just came to me as another opportunity to share my mom,” Sydney said.

There were also adjustments to be made in such areas as education. Cody, who is autistic, uses sign language for much of his communication. Melissa said his communication therapy has been largely confined to the telephone during the pandemic.

“Therapies over the phone are hard,” Melissa said.

Coronavirus also caused a family trip to see Winter the Dolphin in Florida to be postponed.

Seeing Winter, who has a prosthetic tail, was Sydney's “birthday vacation.” The family won't go until next year.

But this year won't be without its adventures. Joshia said the Conklins plan to install a pool for the family to enjoy.

“Hopefully, by the end of June, beginning of July,” Joshia said.

Sydney said she does more than help out around the house. She plays with her new siblings — whom she considered siblings before they were formally adopted — by dressing up or giving them rides on her shoulders.

They might be young, but Joshia said that — similar to Sydney — Cadie, Brody and Cody have their own personalities.

Cadie, a Minnie Mouse fan through and through, plays well with her little brothers.

Brody is very polite. He shakes people's hands and looks them in the eye.

Cody, who likes dinosaurs and cars, is the spunky one.

“They're really good kids,” Melissa said.

“As soon as I get in the door, they'll all be, 'Daddy, Daddy, Daddy,'” Joshia said. “It feels awesome.”

If Sydney has any advice to pass on to other foster siblings, it's to remember how many children don't have families.

“There are other kids (who) need a home,” Sydney said.

Joshia said that being a foster parent isn't always an easy choice. Caring for 36 different children over five years can take a toll.

“Sometimes you have rocky roads,” Joshia said. “And sometimes you don't.”

For Melissa, anything is possible when strong bonds are in place.

“Whatever circumstances that fall in our lives ... we make it work,” Melissa said. “Some call it chaos. We call it family.”