After spending one week in classes and two weeks away from my favorite island, I find myself thinking about not only what I miss from this past summer, but all of the amazing things I did get to partake in. This summer was full of fun, laughter, and unforgettable memories that I want to share with you all.

. . .

MAY

I came home from college around mid-May and, of course, rekindled with my high school BFFs. We went out to dinner for two of my friends’ birthdays at the Cheesecake Factory and just had good laughs all around.

I also got to see my boyfriend perform in his last high school chorus concert before joining me at Towson University.

I celebrated Memorial Day with some friends at a barbecue during the day. Here are some funny photos that we took while celebrating.

JUNE

I went to my boyfriend’s senior prom and got to re-live my high school glory days (that didn’t actually exist). Nevertheless, I had a wonderful time with him and his friends dancing the night away. I also got to see some friends (and sorority sisters) from high school.

I went to my boyfriend's high school graduation.

My dad and I went to a Yankees game with tickets I bought him for Father’s Day.

One of my favorite nights of summer included a spontaneous trip to the north shore of Long Island where we discovered mansion-like houses and a homemade ice cream shop! (Gooseberry Grove in Oyster Bay)

My friends and I partook in various beach picnic dinners at Tobay Beach on the southern shore of Long Island. One of our picnics even included an impromptu night swim!

My boyfriend and I visited Caumsett State Park and took a scenic hike to the north shore’s beautiful Long Island Sound.

JULY

I did something I’ve been waiting for years to try: I cut and donated my hair! I removed 8 inches, the longest amount I’ve ever chopped at once.

I went to a lavender field called Lavender by the Bay in East Marion, Long Island. It was very serene and calm; I recommend it to everyone!

I celebrated the Fourth of July with my hometown friends on the canals of the south shore of LI.

My closest friends helped me celebrate the beginning of my 19th year of life on my birthday. We went to dinner at Tropix on the Mile in Freeport.

I visited the MoMA in New York City where I was engulfed in a copious amounts of beautiful art.

I got to spend time with friends who I don’t usually see but enjoy spending time with, nonetheless. We had a pool party and sleepover, among other events, during the summer.

I took a mini road-trip down to Towson University with my boyfriend for his orientation. While he was learning all about what his freshman year would entail, I met up with my school friends and visited Ladew Topiary Gardens, a beautiful property including art forms of which I could not even fathom.

I went to Florida to visit my dad’s parents and see some of my first cousins. The trip included a day at the water park, shopping, and restaurant hopping.

Some of my friends from school came to visit me on Long Island. We had a packed, fun-filled weekend, of which I documented in this video here. The trip included a day in the Hamptons, NYC, and at Splish Splash. AUGUST

I went to Sagamore Hill National Historic Site, where Teddy Roosevelt’s house is. We also saw his grave, visited the beach, and went Stand-Up Paddle Boarding while in Oyster Bay.

My mom planned a last-minute trip to Florida with my grandmother and great aunt which included 2 days in the happiest place on Earth. Video of those travels still to come. For now, here’s some photos.

I said goodbye to my hometown friends during our annual last hurrah.

. . .

This past summer included so many wonderful people and experiences and I only hope my sophomore year at Towson also brings me the same!