A Few Fun Days in Provo

Elder Miller came to Provo to visit his sisters, Tamsen and Maranda, for two days before reporting to the MTC on July 28th. Here's Tamsen, Sam and I driving to the airport Monday morning to pick him up. I am holding a tie that I bought him, and a denim bag I made for him to hold some hair-cutting clippers that he wanted to take on his mission.
Here's Fletch! Can you spot him?
Waiting for his baggage. He managed to fit everything into one large suitcase! Amazing.Then, we took Fletcher to eat at the best burger joint in Utah County!
Tamsen, Fletcher and I went to a Tumbling Gym in south Provo that night, because Fletcher had the goal of being able to do a standing back-flip before he left on his mission... and time was running out! Here's one of the 'experts' we made friends with at the gym helping teach him.
He had a couple of good attempts, (that I did not get a picture of, of course.) that he really nearly landed... but as time went on we all just got more exhausted from jumping around... so he wasn't quite able to do it.Here's a video of one try.

The next morning, Tamsen, Sam and Fletcher went up to the Timpanogos temple to be there in support of my roommate Eliza who was going through for the first time. I stayed at home to babysit her nieces and nephew, and then rendevous'd with everyone at Los Hermanos mexican restaurant that afternoon! The food was great! That's Eliza with Tamsen, Fletch and Sam.
I gave Fletcher a haircut, and also we bought him some clipper guards for his clippers to take with him. I think he misses his legos just a little....Which silhouette is a real sculpture and which is Fletcher's creation? Can you tell?Tah-Dah!That night we hit up a 'Happy Pirates Improv Comedy' reunion show and had a blast laughing and introducing our kid brother to our old friends. Sorry, no pictures of that.

Well... here it is. This morning I made us all some french toast and waffles, and then Tamsen and I took Fletcher to the Missionary Training Center.Talking to Haley.
Our turn to take pictures by the sign!

We love you Elder Miller! We know you'll make us proud.

Farewell and Open House

Fletcher, or Elder Miller as of about 6 pm this evening, gave his farewell address in the Sacrament meeting of the Maplewood Ward on Sunday, July 18th, 2010. It was funny and thoughtful, and it was as though Fletcher was transformed into an adult and, what's more, a missionary, before our eyes. Mom and Dad gave talks as well, and Freyja and I kept exchanging tear-filled glances as Mom spoke about Dad's joy in finally having a little boy, and of the preparation that has gotten Fletcher to where he is today, ready and worthy to wear the name of the Lord on his chest. Dad gave a list of things he knew for certain. Number four was that "hot dogs don't taste as good as they used to," but some of them were insightful, even spiritual, and it was beautiful to see the confidence and love that our parents have for Fletcher, and how their strength has shaped him into the wonderful kid that he is.



We were all surprised at (and grateful for!) the number of friends and family members that attended sacrament meeting to show their support. We had neighbors, former ward members, high school friends, and tons of family in attendance. Afterward, the whole Burnett clan, Aunt Diana, Aunt Pam and Caitlin, and Aunt Shannon and her kids came over for lunch, and it seemed right to be surrounded by those people that have shaped Fletcher in such positive ways over the years.






We had an open house that evening at the house. It was very well attended, and it was great to see familiar faces from the late Beaverton 3rd Ward. Mom had Dad slaving away to get the kitchen ready for weeks beforehand, and we set up some of Freyja's cute patio furniture on the lawn.

The Ludlams surprised and delighted us by making the few hours' drive down, and brought Sophie Wilson with them. Fletcher was totally surprised, and it was great to reunite some of the original B3 clan.


Fletcher has been working for Sister Huffaker for the last year or so, doing yard work and odd jobs around her house, and we are so grateful for her support.




Friends from high school.


Nathan gives Fletcher some friendly mission advice.


Double-teamed!



Matthias, Grant, Shain, Fletch, Noah



The chilluns: Carson on Connor's shoulders, Jack, Hannah, Sara, Maddy, and Kendall.


A million other people came, and I took a million other pictures, but this is enough to give you an idea. It was wonderful to be able to actually see all of the love and support that Fletcher has as he embarks on this new adventure.

We love you Fletcher!

Opening his call!

Uncle Fletcher

The missionary picture that Greta colored for Uncle Fletcher:


My favorite part is the face that she drew and his lovely hair. It kind of looks like earmuffs. We're working on coloring in the lines.