Once again, we did it. Spring break is final here, giving us a little taste of what summer will have in store for us. With only a couple more months left within the semester, we are becoming more and more anxious towards the day we can throw our notebooks away. I truly cannot wait to say goodbye to winter and hello to summer. Summer helps us get out of our house and take on adventures, while winter gives us another reason to stay in our beds. The cold weather makes us moodier than usual, but summer is approaching, so it is about time to brighten up our smiles. Our days will soon be filled with joy as the sun beats down on us. Nights will soon be filled with laughter as the star’s shine over us. More importantly, our next few months will be filled with love as we spend every single day with the people we cherish the most. I am ready for Summer of 2016 and here is why you should be as well
1. The Beach
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What would you do without the beach? Without the suns rays beaming down on you, without the little, annoying kids kicking sand on your towel, without the unique sea shells you will stumble upon, and without that gigantic wave that will tackle you to the bottom of the ocean. You can spend an entire day just laying on your towel, while appreciating life as it is. The beach is just so peaceful; reading a book or listening to your favorite song with a drink in your hand. No matter who you are with, the beach finds a way to bring everyone together, especially the people you love.
2. Camp Fires
I hope you are ready for the nights you will be sitting around the fire with the people you love most, with some country music blasting as the stars shine over you. While forgetting about the entire world around you, and appreciating the small world you are apart of. Roasting some marshmallows and hotdogs, while talking about your biggest fears or remembering your favorite moments. These nights are truly amazing, so much laughter, so much joy. No electronics needed, just your family and your friends, taking on another beautiful night together.
3. Music Festivals
And here they come, the unforgettable music festivals. Taking a bunch of pictures, losing your voice, and talking to an abundant amount of strangers. You spend all of your money on just a few days, but those few days are magical. You fall in love with life, and get a chance to escape reality. The music starts to work its magic, and takes away any pain. As the sun starts to fall behind the clouds, you grab your lighter, hold a hand, and embrace the moment you are cherishing with everyone around you.
4. Hiking
Get out of bed! Its time to grab your backpack, fill up your water bottle, gather up your friends and go on an adventure. Put your phone away, and go print out a map. Take in the beautiful day, and go embrace the world you are living in. Follow a path, and do not turn around. Go find a soothing waterfall, go find an unforgettable scenery, go find who you are. Let the the outdoor atmosphere take away any fears, and let it help find the person you are determined to become.
5. Cookouts
The summer days that you are not quite sure you can handle. Your whole family starts to take over your house, as you begin to wonder what will happen this year. Who will be fighting or who will be getting along, you will never be able to predict it. But the cookouts do have its benefits: with the smell of the grill and the taste of your cheeseburger. And as the arguing and laughing continue, you start to appreciate the crazy family you are granted with.
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6. Vacations
Go and travel, far away. Take a week to go see another country, or even better, go take a trip to a beautiful island. Every day you are surrounded by the same scene, so let the summer be your reason to take a break from your every day life. Get your family, get your friends, and go explore. This world has so much to offer, and it is time for you to go out and experience it for yourself.
7. Reuniting with High School Friends
And as you pack up your car, and get ready to head home, all you should think about is the hug you will be giving your best friends from high school. When you grab your friends tight and and take in their presence, the feeling is truly remarkable. So many college stories to tell them, so many people to tell them about, so much information they need to know. Nothing is ever awkward, you remain exactly where you left off. Then, the moment finally comes, when you see their faces again. So you begin to shed a tear, for how thankful you truly are for the the friends that never let distance separate your relationship with one another.
8. Happiness
Summer is happiness. No matter the adventure you decide to take part in, you will still find yourself smiling. Summer is filled with love, because your always surrounded with family and friends. Wake up early, go on walks with your dog, eat healthy, and enjoy every day that summer gives you. If it is raining, so what, go mud sliding. Never take a day for granted, live up each minute. I promise you, your summer will be amazing if you put your phone down. So do yourself a favor and start now, because your smile is waiting to shine. 
