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. Tamalpais, Marin County, CA

Tom, Dick and Harry

Muir Woods

Sundog

Elowah Falls

Sausage and Veggie pasta in creamy tomato vodka cream sauce

Crater Lake

Mt. Hood from Coyote Wall

Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe

Frozen waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge

Goat Rocks Wilderness in Gifford Pinchot

On the way to Goat Lake

Triple Falls

Hamilton Mountain

Chia seed fruit cobbler

Kona, Hawaii

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

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

Hood to Coast

Great Blue Heron at Greenlake, Seattle, WA