Hey friends! Is it just me, or does it always seem to surprise you guys at how quickly summer comes and goes! I do have to say though, just as much as I love summer, I am just as excited about fall, because it is just beautiful this time of year here in Michigan!

But, before we say goodbye to the summer season, I wanted to share some of the highlights of the season around here!

One of the things I love about summer is the fresh fruit and vegetables, and being able to grill! I certainly will miss this when the cooler weather starts to roll around!

This year I decided to keep my gardening to a minimum, (unlike the past few summers, where I grew an entire vegetable garden), because I knew I would be pretty busy, so I went with a little herb garden on my patio!

The summer also included lots of frozen yogurt, spending time outdoors, and weddings!

I also was able to travel a bit this summer! My husband and I celebrated our 7 year wedding anniversary, and guess what I spied in a Barnes & Nobles in Chicago!?!

Another thing I look forward to every summer is my birthday! I love having a June birthday, because it means having an ice cream cake is a guaranteed! ;) Ok ok, that is a fun part, but in all seriousness, I do love having a summer birthday because everyone tends to be more laid back, making it an enjoyable time of year to celebrate! It's hard to believe I turned 31 this year!

Every birthday also reminds me how long I have been together with this guy... We are going on 15 years now, since we met when I was 16!

And here it is...one of my favorite traditions, a peanut butter ice cream cake!

It was a wonderful day, and I am so looking forward to what God has in store for the coming year!

I also love having a summer birthday because I get to share it with one of my best friends, Dayna, who I call my 'sister', because not only do we look a lot alike, but our hearts are knit together by the Lord! Those are the best kind of friends if you ask me!

And how cute is the birthday gift she gave me!?! Clearly she knows me quite well! :)

And since we are talking summer, we can't forget July 4th! I love the fourth of July because it is the true mark of summer in my mind!

We had a BBQ for our meal, and for dessert, I made an ice cream bar with all of the toppings your heart could ever desire! So fun!

We watched fireworks on my parents boat, which are always stunning over the lake!

And last but not least, the summer finished off with my sisters gender reveal party! It was a much anticipated day, and the week leading up to it felt like ages! For the party I made another ice cream sundae bar, per my sisters request, (can you tell we enjoy ice cream in this family!?!) ;)

And while I prepare the food, my sister Sarah did all the decorating, which makes for a pretty cute party if I do say so myself! ;)

There were fireworks that went off that revealed the gender... When the BLUE fireworks went off in the sky, we were all incredibly excited and emotional!

We can't wait for this little guy to have a cousin and future best friend!

And...Just like that, summer has come to an end! I hope you all had a wonderful summer as well!

Now, who's ready for the beautiful colors and cozy feel of fall!?! I know I sure am! :)

It was great catching up with you guys! xo Katie