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:

Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe

Mt. Hood from Coyote Wall

Kona, Hawaii

Frozen waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge

Chia seed fruit cobbler

Mt. Tamalpais, Marin County, CA

Muir Woods

On the way to Goat Lake

Hamilton Mountain

Sundog

Sausage and Veggie pasta in creamy tomato vodka cream sauce

Elowah Falls

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

Hood to Coast

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

Triple Falls

Goat Rocks Wilderness in Gifford Pinchot

Crater Lake

Tom, Dick and Harry

Great Blue Heron at Greenlake, Seattle, WA