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

Mt. Tamalpais, Marin County, CA

Chia seed fruit cobbler

Tom, Dick and Harry

Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe

Kona, Hawaii

Triple Falls

Frozen waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge

Sausage and Veggie pasta in creamy tomato vodka cream sauce

Hamilton Mountain

Muir Woods

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

Great Blue Heron at Greenlake, Seattle, WA

Mt. Hood from Coyote Wall

Elowah Falls

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

Sundog

Crater Lake

Hood to Coast

On the way to Goat Lake