As finals come to an end and the stress of school is out of our minds, the one thing on everyone's mind is summer. Whether you like the warm weather or not, you can't deny that it's nice to have a break for school. Yes, we'll probably have to work a lot, but there are so many things to look forward too. Bonfires, cabin trips, water parks, baseball games, pool days, pool nights, boating, cook outs and the list goes on. If you're like me entering into your senior year, this will probably be the last time you'll get a summer break. I plan to make the most of it, so if you do to then here's a list a few things i'm looking forward to for summer.

1. Warm weather

Don't get me wrong, being from Minnesota, the fall is probably my favorite season but I still really enjoy the few months of heat we actually get. You get to pull out all the summer clothes, sandals and swimsuits. And how great is it to not have to haul around a large winter jacket everywhere??

2. Bonfires

It might just be a northern thing but bonfires are one of my favorite things to do in the summer. Getting all your friends together and just chilling around the fire talking, especially since we've all been away at school, is so nice. It's a great way to be social without having to go out and spend money! Even just having bonfires with your family is great. You can sit around, roast marshmallows or hotdogs over the fire and just enjoy each others company.

3. Cabin trips

I cannot contain my excitement about spending the weekend away at the cabin with all my friends. Spending the day on the lake, boating, floating, listening to music and probably a little day drinking. It's a chance to get away, have very limited wifi (which is a good thing), tell stories, play card games and just enjoy each other's company.

4. Baseball games

Baseball games are such a fun summer activity. Whether it's a Twins game at Target Field or an amateur game, it's always a great time. On Wednesday's you can go to Twins games for $5 dollars if you're a student and it just so happens to also be $1 dog night (hot dogs that is) so you don't even have to spend a whole lot of money!

5. Cook outs

I love when my dad fires up the grill and cooks some really good food, whether it be hamburgers, chicken, or steak. Summer usually has great weather so you've got to take every chance you can get to be outside. It doesn't have to be anything fancy, just pull up some lawn chairs, or patio chairs if you have a deck, grab some paper plates and dig in!

6. Pool days

If you're lucky enough to have a pool or a friend who has a pool, you know how great days out by the pool can be. You can spend your whole day in your swimsuit, enjoying the weather and cooling off in the pool. It can be relaxing to just lay in the sun and read a book, or you can put on some music and have a pool party. If you want to really mix it up, have people over to night swim and maybe get even crazier and throw some glow sticks in the pool because that would, of course, be super cool.

Summer is a great time to do things you can't do during the school like taking spontaneous road trips, day drinking during the week or spending time with your friends and family from back home. There are of course so many other things I'm looking forward to (and somethings I'm not), these just happen to be at the top of my list. So I hope you all have a fantastic summer and do all the things you want to do; I know I will!