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:

Mt. Hood from Coyote Wall

Kona, Hawaii

On the way to Goat Lake

Elowah Falls

Great Blue Heron at Greenlake, Seattle, WA

Goat Rocks Wilderness in Gifford Pinchot

Triple Falls

Sundog

Mt. Tamalpais, Marin County, CA

Sausage and Veggie pasta in creamy tomato vodka cream sauce

Crater Lake

Muir Woods

Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe

Hamilton Mountain

Tom, Dick and Harry

Hood to Coast

Chia seed fruit cobbler

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

Frozen waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge

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