This is an adoption success story from a local leader in the community. Dave Roberts, is the deputy mayor of Solana Beach, and was just elected to become the newest member of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors.
But it's parenting, not politics, that is his number one priority.
This family of seven takes up an entire swing set structure with four kids on the swings and two parents, plus the oldest son, pushing the younger ones along.
"I never thought we'd have five children, I thought we might get up to three and at that time, that would be enough, but the additional two are blessings as well," explained Wally.
Wally and Dave adopted their first child back in the year 2000. Robert, who is now 17, was just five when he joined the family, and says he is so grateful for his two dads.
"I just realize how different things could have been, how awful it could be, but now how great my life has changed," Robert said.
Eleven-year-old Alex was adopted into the family when he was three. Robert was nine at the time and had to get used to sharing the attention.
"At first I kind of resented it a little, I'll be honest," said Robert. "I wanted a brother at first, just one brother, but then it just grew to more." But he also added that he is happy.
Eight-year-old Julian was the next addition to the family, followed by half siblings Joe and Natalee.
"Adding Natalee as our fifth child and having a daughter now has completely changed the dynamics in the house and it's been great," continued Dave.
The kids love being part of a big family. And they also like to go with their dad Dave, to his job, where he's known as Dave Roberts - the Deputy Mayor of Solana Beach and the newly elected San Diego County Supervisor.
Starting in January, Dave will be the District 3 representative in the county that helped to form his family.
"We have really enjoyed the foster care program and are thankful for the county for having a program like this that allows people that can't have children to do foster and adopt program," said Dave. "They've been great to work with."
But even with a busy political life, Dave's kids say his family comes first.
"No matter what he does, he's always busy, but he always makes time for family and last weekend we went up to Camp Pendleton, made a camp fire," added Robert. "He has me involved in Boy Scouts which I'm really grateful for and all these wonderful things."
Robert says both of his fathers have been great role models, and as he heads off to college, he hopes to follow their example through social work helping foster children realize they are not alone.
"It's not just them, other people have gone through what they have, and they turned out wonderful, and just be there for them and help explain what they're going through," continued Robert.
Dave and Wally, so proud of their son, and all of their children:
"It's been so wonderful, the kids are great. They give you something to live for. Every kid is individual and each kid is special, and everybody has their own input into the family," said Wally.
If you're interested in adopting or becoming a foster family, call 1-877-I-ADOPT-U.
To meet other children in foster care and discover how you can help restore their hope, please visit click here.