You're a turtle.

 Ephraim,

You are one of a kind. I could brag about you all day. 

You're funny. You put a lego up your nose and it really freaked you out. Good thing Jeff taught you how to plug one nostril and blow or else it might still be up there. 

You're humble. You hit the counter with a metal thing and had the consequence of running around the track. You went (and always go) the first time I ask. 

You're a real friend. Jeff was gone at a YM campout with Dad the last few days, you spoke often about how much you missed him. You and Meriden love to draw together and write each other notes. You and Russell have so much fun pretending that sometimes it seems like you're in another world. When Christian is crying  and I'm busy making dinner or whatever, you don't wait to be asked, you run to him and just start playing with him. When Estella cries you speak sweet and kind to her. 

You're hard working. You love to get your jobs done on your chart and you really work at it until it's done. You do a great job at unloading the dishwasher, cleaning the bathroom and even helping others with their jobs. While Jeff as gone you folded his clothes without even being asked. 

You're a turtle. You love to carry a backpack everywhere you go with toys, water a snack and sometimes even a change of clothes 

You're a picky eater. Oh boy, if its not hot dogs or pasta or a burrito you are probably going to struggle to eat it. 

You love maps. You carry around maps looking at them. We have a big interactive map that you love to study and learn the names of counties. 

You're a fast reader. Jeff and Meriden struggled to learn to read and every time you read I'm so surprised how fast you process the sounds and form them into words. You like reading. 

You're just super easy going. You need hardly any attention. I really have to make an effort to single you out because you're just super independent and happy to just be. 

You have a big smile with one big tooth right now. It's so cute. You give the best hugs and are just so sweet. 

Ephraim my heart is filled with love for you. I just really like being around you and I think you're just awesome. 

Love,

Mom

Read your first scripture!

  Ephraim you are so delightful. You are everyone’s best friend. You and Meriden love to listen to music together. You and Jeff love to climb jump and be crazy together. You and Russell love to imagine together. Estella loves how you push her around in a tote or a laundry basket. You love to pick up Christian and play with him and make him laugh. 

Today you read your first verse of scripture! 1 nephi 1:1. You read the words: in, and, I, the and was. You were so proud and colored each of throes words. 

You look so grown up now that you lost your front baby tooth and have a big one instead. You say the cutest things and are so forgiving. You are reading so good and even bring the book to me because you want to learn. You helped dad work on lava bags today in the láva lab. He said you counted to 35! 

You are such a great help for me when we’re cleaning the house. I just love you so much Ephraim!