Spring on the ranch is a season of renewal—fresh green grass pushing through the thawed earth, baby calves finding their footing, and long sunlit days returning after a long Idaho winter. Everything feels like it’s waking up again. And for the Hoagland family, Easter is a time to pause, gather close, and reflect on what truly matters.
Their traditions aren’t flashy, but they’re full of heart. Faith comes first—always. The rest is a beautiful blend of family, laughter, and the steady rhythm of ranch life.
One of Karen’s daughters started a sweet (and hilarious) tradition for her own kids: leaving a trail of marshmallows—“bunny poop”—to guide them to their hidden Easter baskets. One year, the family dog beat them to it, scarfing down the entire trail before the kids made it outside. “The kids were totally lost,” Karen laughed. “They had no idea where to go.”
Some years, the usual plastic eggs are swapped for water balloons, scattered across the yard. After the hunt, it’s every kid for themselves in an epic water balloon battle—one of those simple, joy-filled memories that’s stuck with the family over the years. And of course, there’s always a golden egg tucked somewhere special, with a little cash inside. That’s the one every grandkid sets their sights on first.
Easter on the ranch has taken all kinds of forms—once even in Riggins, during a surprise spring snowstorm. “The little kids were out there collecting eggs in the snow,” Karen said. “Their fingers were freezing, but they didn’t care. It was still magical.”
Of course, even on Easter Sunday, the work doesn’t stop. There are still cows to feed, fences to check, and animals to care for. But maybe that’s what makes the day so meaningful. Amidst the chores and muddy boots, surrounded by baby chicks and newborn calves, the promise of new life is all around.
Easter on the ranch might look simple, but it’s rooted in something sacred. For the Hoagland family, it’s about remembering the miracle of Christ’s resurrection and celebrating the everyday blessings that bring them closer together.
