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:

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

Goat Rocks Wilderness in Gifford Pinchot

Crater Lake

Frozen waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge

Triple Falls

Chia seed fruit cobbler

Hamilton Mountain

Mt. Tamalpais, Marin County, CA

On the way to Goat Lake

Muir Woods

Great Blue Heron at Greenlake, Seattle, WA

Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe

Sundog

Sausage and Veggie pasta in creamy tomato vodka cream sauce

Elowah Falls

Hood to Coast

Mt. Hood from Coyote Wall

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

Kona, Hawaii

Tom, Dick and Harry