It’s difficult to put into words my adoration for summer.

The most vivid memories I have are ones that took place during the warmer months of the year — my dad pulling me on the slalom ski and going for terrifying tube rides on Center Hill Lake, making the annual trek up the mountain to Beersheba Springs for my church’s youth retreat, kayaking down the Red River with Daniel during our dating years, eating big pancake breakfasts with my mom on our front porch and dinners on the back patio, one unforgettable beach trip to Panama City with my two best friends from college, devouring BBQ nachos at the minor league baseball games in Sevierville, floating on cheap Dollar Store floats on the quarry and down the Little Pigeon River in Townsend, getting a good look at some giant sunflowers every other July. And these are just some of the highlights. Dozens of other small memories fill the gaps between these larger ones that take up so much space in my memory.

Here are a handful of memories we’ve made so far this summer:

1. Taking the back way to Cruze Farm in East Knox County to see the old white farmhouses and to get a “cow cone”.

2. Spontaneous trips to Sequoyah Park for a picnic, to throw the frisbee or hit the volleyball around.

3. Tending our balcony garden and using the herbs in our meals (I’m talking to you, basil).

4. Enjoying the cozy corners of our home and listening to records from my slowly growing stack of vinyl.

5. Going on the annual camping trip to Defeated Creek. Read more about this magical place in my previous post, Happy Campers.

Summer is far from over, friends. Get outside and soak up every ounce of it. And don’t forget to do these 9 Things Before Summer Waves Goodbye.