As a child, summertime fun in the sun began with the ringing of the last bell of the day. It signified that it was time to throw away old home work assignments and to forget about anything to do with school-for three months at least. Summer time is a time of simple pleasures and exciting times of the year. Three months of late night sleepovers with best friends, hanging out at the galleria/water park, and not having to worry about homework had been lingering in the mind since classes began in the fall. When summer vacation finally rolls around, I can never make up my mind-on what to do first.
             Shall it be riding bikes to the park with friends or hanging out at the mall? One thing was for certain though, the family vacation. For some it was a dreadful thing but not for my close knit family and me. It meant getting out of town for a specified amount of time, either all at once in a two to three week period, or several weekend excursions consisting of camping and fishing trips throughout the summer vacation, the latter being a personal favorite. For me, nothing aided in forgetting about school better than sleeping under the stars, reeling in a trophy fish, and breathing the cool crisp air.
             One particular family trip comes to mind. It was, I think, one of the best summers I had experienced. It was the summer right after sixth grade, my family and I went on a one week outing into the mountains. I can still remember the excitement and enthusiasm I shared with my family, especially with my sister. What made it so memorable was the fun we had out on the lake, five days of sitting in my fathers lap as I reeled in what seemed like the biggest fish in the world. And who could forget the exciting water sports, the tubing and skiing made the whole trip worth-while.
             By the time August creeps up on you, you begin to wonder where the summer went. As it is with every summer, there seems never to be enough time to enjoy all the simple things...