It was January 2nd of the new year and Bedrock was covered in snow and ice.
However, the inner glow of happiness and family love warmed everyone greatly. There was much cause for celebration on this special day.
Fred, Wilma, Barney, and Betty, as well as Bamm Bamm, Pebbles, and their two infants, Roxy and Chip, were all gathered at the Bedrock Social Services office. Following Christmas Eve, when Fred connected with who he thought was a good for nothing punk, there was a family discussion and a decision made.
After anxiously waiting through the Christmas and New Year holidays, when the businesses of Bedrock were at a standstill, the entire family had gathered and were preparing to add another to the brood. Even Pearl Slaghoople, who kept in touch with Fred and Wilma often, had made the journey to Bedrock for it. She now stood beside Fred and Wilma, equally excited about what was to transpire.
Stella Stalactite, who had been the social worker involved, entered the room with Stoney, who was wearing his usual attire, minus the hat. The judge was also present.
Stella had been extremely impressed with the Flintstones, especially Fred, who had not given up on Stoney, instead showing him enough family love and kindness to draw a kinder side of him out into the open.
Stella and Stoney had just been in with the judge, who had seen what a loving family unit the Flintstones were and had permitted things to proceed, providing he could witness it.
After receiving a nod from Stella, Stony quickly went and stood beside Fred, who quickly put a protective arm around Stony, and Wilma. The entire Rubble clan smiled, if anyone deserved this, it was Fred and Wilma. They had worked so hard raising Pebbles and it was clear that they were happy at having another.
"All right, Mr. and Mrs. Flintstone," Stella said, placing the slabs on the table. "If you will just sign on the dotted line, the adoption will be official.
Wilma stepped forward and, with tears of joy in her eyes, she quickly chiselled her signature on the papers and retreated to stand with Stoney and the rest of her family. Fred then stepped forward and quickly chiselled his name on the papers. As he stepped back to join his family, the judge smiled.
"I, Judge Shale, now recognize this boy as Stony Flintstone," the judge said, picking up the tablets. "I also recognize his parents to forever be Frederick J. and Wilma Flintstone forevermore."
Excited about finally having a son, Fred jumped in the air and shouted excitedly, "YABBA DABBA DO!" I FINALLY HAVE A SON OF MY OWN TO CARRY ON THE NAME OF FLINTSTONE!"
Everyone, including the judge and Stella, laughed and then the entire family gathered Stony into a hug.
About half an hour later, the entire Flintstone/Rubble clan was gathered outdoors and, after some discussion with a local photo studio, they were posing in front of a row of trees to have an updated family picture taken, one that included Stoney.
Everyone was in position and smiling. The photographer took several pictures.
The pictures looked absolutely beautiful. A snow covered ground and green trees made a lovely backdrop.
Fred, Wilma, Barney, and Betty were all in the middle with Pebbles, who held Chip, on the left side of Fred, and Bamm Bamm, who held Roxy, on the right side of Betty. Pearl stood on the right side of Pebbles. In front of Fred and Wilma stood their new son, Stony.