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:

Goat Rocks Wilderness in Gifford Pinchot

Kona, Hawaii

Muir Woods

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

Tom, Dick and Harry

Sundog

Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe

Chia seed fruit cobbler

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

Mt. Hood from Coyote Wall

Great Blue Heron at Greenlake, Seattle, WA

Elowah Falls

Frozen waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge

Crater Lake

Mt. Tamalpais, Marin County, CA

Hood to Coast

Hamilton Mountain

Sausage and Veggie pasta in creamy tomato vodka cream sauce

Triple Falls

On the way to Goat Lake