Suggestions for a private blog?

Does anyone have suggestions of how to create a private blog for family and friends so that I can share my experiences with them as I travel? I am cautious of public blogs. I am looking for a framework that is simple but beautiful, text and pics, and hopefully would send an automatic email to those people on the invited list when I update the blog so they can take a look. Or is there a photo sharing sight that can serve as a blog/journal? This is all new to me so any help is appreciated.