Sunshine & Summertime...

"Summer is where the girls go barefoot and their hearts are just as free as their toes."

- unknown

Summer is here. At least for us Texans. The high on Sunday is 100. And it's only the month of May. Reeeally?! That means by July we'll all be bronzed beauties and wishing for some cooler weather. Summer is my favorite time of year...somehow it takes me back in time and reminds me of my childhood. The days when I actually had a summer break...this meant late nights and sleeping in...every. single. day. In keeping up with "Friday Favorites" (thank you Lauren Conrad for this most fabulous idea), here are a few of my favorite summer memories...

- Boating on Lake Travis with family. I was the only girl among 6 boys, so tubing was like an extreme sport. I swear they would all see who could knock me off the tube the fastest.

- Summer camp. Why can't we continue with this tradition as adults?!

- Baseball. Fun Dip. Cherry Coke. --- 'nuff said.

- Summer Blockbusters. Why can't Hollywood recreate some of this hysteria?

- Ice Cream Trucks. I still get a sting of nostalgia when I hear one and subconsciously start searching for change.

- Summer Concerts. I once camped out on the streets of San Angelo (don't ask) to get front row seats to see 98 Degrees in concert. Don't judge.

- Mud fights. This home video is still one for the record books. Having twin brothers at this particular point in time was not fun. Especially when their grubby little hands were full of dirt and mud and God only knows what else. Sick.

- Camping. Now, before you get too impressed, I'm not talking about sleeping in tents out in the wilderness. No thank you. I'm talking about traveling in a plush RV with my grandparents.

- BBQ's. Brisket, smoked sausage, homemade potato salad, baked beans & sweet tea. Your life is truly not complete until you experience this in Texas.

- Swimming until my fingers and toes turned into prunes. These days, the pool is only good for one thing, and that's laying out. You actually want me to get in the water?!

- Schlitterbahn. OMG. If you've never been, I highly encourage you to go. I went every summer until I was about 12. Soda Straws anyone?!

- Six Flags. Fiesta Texas is my absolute favorite. My crazy aunt once stuffed my cousin's shoes with extra socks to make him taller so he could go on The Rattler. Remember this trick, it actually worked and he didn't fall out. :)

- Slumber Parties. Ice Cream. Chick Flicks. Laughing until my stomach hurt.

- Bluebell Homemade Ice Cream with chocolate syrup.

- Washer tournaments in Austin. My cousin Drew would win...every dang time.

- Lock-Ins at church. This was usually a great excuse to stay up all night and play basketball and run around like heathens.

- Lemonade Stands. I think my best friend and I tried it once or twice but quickly realized that playing in the backyard was much more fun.

- Water Wonderland. All you Midlanders know EXACTLY why this is a special memory.

- I think my favorite thing about summer was getting to spend so much time with my family and friends. Regardless of what we were doing, looking back, it doesn't matter. The best moments came from the memories we created that will never be forgotten...