It was like one day it was summer and 90 degrees and the next day it was 60 degrees and the leaves were changing. And I’m not even exaggerating when I say that. It happened overnight.

Mother nature just decided, yup it’s time.

Now it’s in the 50’s and 60’s, and currently as I’m writing this it’s gray, raining and 48 degrees out.

I’m sipping a hot cup of 500 mile chai at my favorite little tea shop in the East Village (of Des Moines).

It’s always a bittersweet goodbye when summer is over.

I’m usually happy for the drop in temperature.

Summers here in Iowa get pretty toasted and humid.

There’s something so nostalgic about fall.

Even when you’re not in school anymore you still get that sensation of it’s 'back to school' season. The excitement of change, of seeing your friends again. Of new pens and notebooks.

Now it feels like we’re scrambling to plan our January escape from the cold.

But for today I want to reminisce on some of my favorite aspect of summer.

The smell of sunscreen. If there was a sunscreen scented perfume, I’d wear it. I love the slightly greasy sheen that sunscreen leaves on your skin.

Bodies of water and getting into them. I didn’t do this nearly enough this summer, but there’s nothing quite like shrieking as you laugh yourself off a dock into the water without a care in the world.

Enjoying the shade from some trees because it’s noticeably cooler. I love walking places on the shady side of the street. Enjoying the warm weather, but also keeping out of the sun.

Running in the mornings because it’s cooler. Still muggy, but bearable. My running falls off as it gets cold out. But there’s nothing quite like starting your day with an early morning run. Especially if you run with someone else.

Kids triathlons. If you’ve never been to one, I highly recommend it. I think my favorite task is helping the kiddos out of the water. The relief and sense of accomplishment for completing the first part of the race.

Being tan from all my time outside, even though I always wore sunscreen. All shades are beautiful, but my skin does something special with a little bit of sun. The humidity helps my dry skin, the sun evens out my skin tone, and my skin just doesn’t break out as much in the summer.

Tan lines from my sandals. But I think those will make it until next year. They are harsh lines, but I love them. They remind me of all the hard work and fun I had outside.

Warm summer nights. This always reminds me of my younger years, but gosh there’s still just something about them.

I love summer, but so does everyone else. What I’m working on is my relationship with the colder months, which are on their way.

What about fall are you excited about?