1. May there be many many beach days.

I honestly can't comprehend what life in the summer must be like for someone living in a state that isn't surrounded on three sides by water (Yay Michigan!). Like, if you don't live on or very near to a coastline, whether it be freshwater or ocean, I am so sorry. There is nothing better than packing up when we wake up in the morning and heading out to the beach and coming back after supper, fried, full of sand, and smelling of the lake.

2. May the moments pass slowly.

Summer break always seems to fly by so quickly. Excuse me while I get a little cliché but it's like you blink and it's over. And the older I get, the faster it seems to fly by. I remember being a little kid and summer was so long and the best thing ever. I guess maybe being older has given me a better sense of time and how quickly it passes. *brownie points to you if you caught the Rascal Flatts reference*

3. May the temperature be high, and the humidity low.

Michigan is praised for its gorgeous summers but, there is one downfall-humidity. Often, when it is 85 degrees outside and looks absolutely gorgeous, you step out into the sunshine and it's like someone draped a warm, damp towel over your head. It sucks all of the energy out of you and makes you want nothing more than to be back in the air conditioning. So a wish for this summer is that will be hot and not sticky.

4. May we have many wonderful adventures.

Summertime is the best time for exploring. Whether it be a hike through the woods or a new ice cream parlor on Friday night, I hope that summer 2017 is full of new and exciting experiences.

5. May the charcoal always produce delicious steaks and burgers.

There is really nothing better than coming off the lake after a long day of doing nothing and biting into a big juicy burger with that smoky fresh-off-the-grill flavor. Mmmm my mouth is watering just thinking about the burgers that are to come this summer.

6. May the lake be flat and the water warm.

As a member of a family that spends a lot of time out on the water in the boat, it is natural to hope that when we launch out onto the lake the water isn't a bone-chilling 55 degrees. It's the absolute worst when the air temperature is unbearably hot but the water is so cold that it's actually physically painful to jump in the water to cool off. Also, not a fan of waves. Waves make for very painful landings while tubing. No Bueno. I prefer that smooth, weightless feeling you get when you're whipped out across a flat glassy lake.

7. May our annual camping trip go off without a hitch.

My family has been going to the same place camping every year for like 12 years and it is my favorite place in the entire world. What I love about it is that it's so peaceful and calm there. Life slows down and time is not kept with clocks but with when the sun comes up and when the campfire is ready to cook dinner over. If state parks didn't have a 15 day limit on how long you stay, I would live there all summer. Where is this amazing camping spot you ask? It's a secret. Sorry, not sorry. I don't go on vacation to see everybody and their brother chose the same place.

8. May there be the occasional thunderstorm.

Thunderstorms in the summer are awesome for a few reasons. They make the grass look incredibly green and beautiful, they make me sleep reeealllyyy good at night, and they make me appreciate the sunny days even more.

9. May the sunburn be minimal and the tan lines dark.

After the Midwestern winter is over, I'm sick of seeing white; and that includes when I look in the mirror. When summer finally rolls around, I am ready to get to the beach and rotate hourly with the sun for maximum UV exposure. Sunscreen optional.

10. May countless memories be made.

Summer is a time for memories with friends and family. Of course, fond memories can be made year-round, but it seems like some of the best pictures, the best moments, the best laughs are had during summertime.

So, here's to summer 2017. I'm sure it will have its perks and its downfalls but may it be an incredible few months of time spent with friends and family, chilling before yet another school year creeps upon us with winter on its heels.