by Bill Kotowski

Tuesday Governor Butch Otter signed a proclamation making November Adoption Awareness Month in Idaho.

On average the adoption process in Idaho takes close to a year to finalize. But despite the long wait and paper work some say its a very natural way to start a family.

A big family has always been a big dream for Alex Price. Her father had 9 siblings so to her it always seemed like something natural, but her dream family didn't come easily.

Alex Price: "I always though we would have ten kids. To not be able to have kids is just, I mean for seven years it was just us at Christmas time."

Then the Alex and her husband David filled out their paper work to become adoptive parents. Like many, they had a number of questions and concerns.

Alex Price: "This wasn't how we were planning to start our family. We were going to do it just like everyone else did."

Those questions and concerns were quickly put to rest after they adopted their first son Evan. In fact, they were so pleased with how the adoption process worked for them that they adopted two more sons, Nicholas and Samuel.

David Price: "Now, as a father having adopted children or otherwise, they're my boys and it seems really natural."

Since adopting their boys the Prices talk to friends and others interested in adoption and are quick to recommend it to anyone who's interested.

David Price: "It is an option and a possibility and actually a great way to start a family."

As for Alex, she says she is thankful for the women who have helped her realize her dream of being a mother.

Alex Price: "It's a very humbling experience to have someone say 'I trust you with the most important thing I can trust you with.'"

There are a number of adoption agencies available here in Idaho. They can also be done through the Department of Health and Welfare.

As for the Prices, they've already started the process to adopt a fourth child.