Three months ago, I had a countdown until summer officially started. I sat through the finals, I packed up my freshman dorm, I cried when my friends who had graduated were saying goodbye, and I hopped on a plane to get back to my home state of Hawai’i.

It’s honestly slightly insane how quickly this entire summer went, even though at times I thought it was never-ending. There were times when I wanted to be back at school with my friends and there were times when I told myself that I never wanted to go back to school. I’m almost horrible at communication when I’m home so there were times when I forgot to text people back.

While in Hawai’i, I showed my friend around my beautiful island which included three hikes, a six-mile kayaking ride, and a lot of sunsets.

I cuddled with my not-so-little puppy who still thinks he’s a lapdog. (He weighs more than 30 pounds and sheds like crazy).

It also meant a mission trip to the Big Island to share God’s love with the children of Waikoloa. Also shave ice, hikes, pretty views and a drive up the tallest mountain in the world (from base to summit) during down time.

This summer also brought the 2016 National Youth Gathering in New Orleans. Can we please talk about Beignets and Po Boys, please? Delicious. Plus 25,000 people worshipping together. The experience might have brought no sleep and an emotional breakdown because of the amazing work the Holy Spirit was doing, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Also Rend Collective, y'all.

I enjoyed time with my grandparents up in the mountains of Colorado, going on long walks and ATV rides. Plus access to cooking in a full-size kitchen is not something that a college student complains about.

And aunty time. Being away from the cutest (and only) nephew ever is so difficult, but going on daily walks and playing on playgrounds and splashing in pools honestly makes the few breakdowns worth it. Might be my breakdowns, might be his. I won’t comment.

Despite all this, I think that I’m ready to go back to school now. I’m ready to go back to “real” life, even if it’s not quite adulthood yet. As much as I’m not looking forward to late nights doing homework and daily stresses, I think it’s time.

I’m ready for late night talks with my future roommate (yay!), midnight runs to the brick for mozzarella sticks, beating Megan in pool, lunches with Jamie, karaoke sessions in the house, class jokes with my friends, and weekend visits to the city with Sarah.

The weirdest part of all of this is that we won’t ever get to go back and relive summer 2016. Though it had its ups and downs, it’s been a great summer and one to remember. The hikes with Kayla, the Starbucks catch-ups with Ridge, Lynsey and Samantha, the mission trips, the beach visits, the cuddle time with my puppy.

Maybe it’s time to start a scrapbook with all these pictures.

What were your favorite parts from this summer?