Madison, WI

On our way home from South Dakota, we stopped in at our cousin's place in Madison, WI. They just moved from out east and we were so glad to be able to see them. Here's a few pictures of the cute kiddies eating outside and heading into the zoo:

Joshua's birth announcement

We just sent out these birth announcements for Joshua. We wanted to celebrate his birth just as we did with Bridger and especially wanted people far away to be able to see pictures and have something tangible to remember him by.

I guess we like long car trips...

Two weeks ago we decided at the spur of the moment to take off and drive to Brookings, South Dakota, where Rachel's parents live. We really felt like we were entering life again too quickly after Joshua's death and we needed time as a family. Well we had 24 hours in the car together in two days and then a wonderful time together relaxing with family in Brookings. Bridger had run of the farm and we spent time reflecting, reading, putting together Joshua's baby book. The grandparents loved it, of course. Here's a picture of them with Bridger eating ice cream (Bridger barely came up for air, as you can see).
Here's one of Bridger as an enthusiastic fisherman (he didn't catch anything, but he loved being in the boat):We made it home in 22 driving hours and Bridger entertained himself pretty well. His favorite toys are his animals:

Joshua Ryan Sutherland

Our son Joshua was born at 10:53 on July 21st, 2005. We did not hear him cry or see him open his clear-blue eyes because the Lord had already taken Joshua to be with Him. Many of you who are in the area attended his memorial service on July 24th, but for those of you who were not able to attend, you can watch a tape of the service by clicking here.

Both sets of Joshua's grandparents as well as his brother Bridger came up to see him in the hospital, to hold his broken body. It was a strange mix of joy and sadness to see the face of our son, knowing that he is now perfected in heaven, but still missing him dearly on earth.
Below is a picture of Bridger giving Joshua "fist". He still talks about his brother and loves to kiss his pictures. Joshua's face appears dark because he was badly bruised through labor and delivery. You canstill tell how beautiful he is, though.















We thank you all for your prayers and encouragement during the past few months. The life of Joshua has made us yearn very deeply to have Christ make all things new. Heaven becomes more real to us as it is populated by our loved ones.