The spring semester is almost over and the countdown to summer is starting. It might still be April but I can't help but get excited for the heat and a little time off. Summer brings a special feeling of happiness along with it and I'm so ready for it. Here are 15 things to look forward to this summer.

1. Longer days

The sun stays up longer and it makes for a much better day.

2. Vacation

Whether you take a trip an hour down the highway or five hours on a plane vacations are always the best in the summer.

3. Ice cream dates

Ice cream dates are a must in the summer. There's something about ending a hot summer's day with an ice cream cone that makes it taste so much better.

4. Fires

Whether it's a fire in the backyard, on the beach or in the woods there's something about a Summer fire that is just amazing.

5. Sun-kissed skin

The feeling of the hot sun beating down on your skin is a great feeling. Getting a tan isn't half bad either.

6. Bare feet and flip flops

Not having to wear shoes is one of my favorite things. If I can't be barefoot, wearing my favorite pair of flip flops is the next best thing.

7. Cookouts

Eating food straight off the grill is the best kind of food in the summer.

8. Car rides with the windows down and music blasting

Those days when you roll all the windows down and cruise on the highway singing your heart out with your best friends are the best days.

9. Sand between your toes

The feeling of being on the beach with your feet pushing down into the warm sand as it squishes between your toes is the best feeling.

10. Coming into the AC after a day in the heat

After hanging in the heat all day long walking in the front door with a gust of cool air hitting you feels amazing.

11. Staying up all night and sleeping in all day

Summer brings along lots of all-nighters and not so much sleep. It's all about staying up all night and sleeping all day.

12. Road trips

Getting in the car whether you know where you're going or not is an adventure in itself.

13. Beaches

Going to the beach. Tanning. Sun kissed skin. Salty beach hair. What's not to love?

14. Cute summer outfits

Shopping for summer clothes is probably my favorite thing to do. Picking out cute outfits is always an amazing time.

15. Adventures with friends

Doing things with friends is the best thing to do in the summer time. Road trips, day trips or even just hanging at home. Everything I do with my friends in the summer turns into some kind of an adventure.