It’s Thanksgiving week, which means I’m compelled to reflect on the past year and consider the most wonderful events I’ve experienced. With some recent life changes, I’m reminded of the importance to stay true to yourself and focus on what makes you happiest. For me, that includes hiking a mountain, laughing and enjoying beers with friends, traveling to new (and old) favorite cities, and, of course, cooking up a storm. Below are a few photo representations of my most thankful 2014 moments:

Hamilton Mountain

Kona, Hawaii

On the way to Goat Lake

Great Blue Heron at Greenlake, Seattle, WA

Mt. Adams, Mt. Hood, Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Rainier

Elowah Falls

Sausage and Veggie pasta in creamy tomato vodka cream sauce

Tom, Dick and Harry

See what white speck on the right side? Yup, it’s a mountain goat! Goat Rocks Wilderness, Gifford Pinchot National Park

Frozen waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge

Muir Woods

Triple Falls

Mt. Tamalpais, Marin County, CA

Mt. Hood from Coyote Wall

Crater Lake

Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe

Chia seed fruit cobbler

Sundog

Hood to Coast

Goat Rocks Wilderness in Gifford Pinchot