About two weeks ago I walked into my local Hobby Lobby on an abnormally cool and rainy summer day. My senses were immediately assaulted by the sights, scents and atmosphere of autumn. The cool weather and the smell of pumpkin-y, cinnamon-y spices made me yearn for my favorite season even more than I already had been.

The autumn season in Texas is often short and slightly disappointing, so I decided to kick-start this year’s with some reminders of why we’re ready for summer to be done with already!

First and foremost, despite the stereotype, I think we all miss pumpkin-flavored EVERYTHING.

Football Season (and therefore also Marching Band Season).

Thanksgiving (No other explanation needed).

Your favorite hoodie can finally make a comeback.

Being able to enjoy hot soup again.

Comfy, warm and often over-sized sweaters.

Sitting by a nice fire (be it a bonfire, your fireplace or maybe just a few scented candles) with your choice of steaming hot beverage.

ABC Family’s seemingly more frequent “Harry Potter Weekend Marathons.”

Going outside and not immediately sweating.

The return of knit scarves, gloves, socks and hats (particularly the last when you’re having a bad hair day).

The sound of all those crunchy, colorful leaves under your shoes.

Autumn sunsets through those same colorful leaves.

Rain that is neither freezing nor uncomfortably hot.

The return of your favorite television shows, and the arrival of widely anticipated films.

Roasting marshmallows and hot dogs over a bonfire.

Pecan season goes into full bloom.

Did I mention Thanksgiving?

And finally — and admittedly a little premature — the promise of Christmas being right around the corner.