A Christmas Story
The Christmas season started in the Ryan house on December 6 when we went to pick out a Christmas tree at the North Butte tree farm just down the road from our home. It was our first year picking out a live tree, and we were excited to have a fresh-cut tree in the living room. After selecting our tree we went to the town’s annual Christmas Lights Parade followed by a welcome gathering for all newcomers to the community. [more...]

It's a Caption Competition!
Claudia of Cle Elum, Washington, submitted the 1st Place caption for our first photo. Check out all the winning captions here or take part in the competition here.

A Thankful Thanksgiving
We had a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving – most of all we were thankful for a house full of family who traveled from far and wide to celebrate the day with us. When we first offered to host Thanksgiving we didn’t expect anyone to take us up on the offer, as we are far off the beaten path. But we were very pleased and honored by the turn-out. [more...]

Treats, But No Tricks
November is upon us, which means that Halloween has come and gone. And, oh, what a great Halloween it was! The preparations started early this year, as Frances tried to control her excitement at the thought of (finally) having a house to where trick-or-treaters would be coming to beg for candy. [more...]

Ah, Vacation!
After nearly 17 months without a proper vacation, we've finally managed to book the time off – and actually take the time off – from everyday life. After having nieces and nephews visiting for three weeks leading up to our vacation, we were certainly in need of the escape! [more...]