Ha-do-wa-ja

Moving our family of five into a rental home for a full month left a whole lot to be determined. Would we be cramped for space? Would the weather be too cold to enjoy? Would there be enough to keep us busy? The answer to each of those questions was undetermined, but we were ready for whatever Flathead Lake in Polson, Montana had in store, and boy was it a lot!

Life at the end of the road proved slower paced. Four miles past the dead end sign, when it felt like you were lost somewhere in the Montana wilderness, the road opened up to the first glimpses of most spectacular cove, referred to as Rocky Point.

Rocky Point was magic! We took a little longer to get out of bed each morning as we soaked up the sunrise lake-views from our pillow, learned how to share both home and school responsibilities from the dining table, savored memorable meals in the well equipt kitchen, and snuggled near the fire as many evenings as we possibly could. This house is named Ha-do-wa-ja and while we are not quite certain what that means, we can only assume it’s about gathering, memories, family, and friends. Maybe a combo of all? Whatever the translation, the word and the home were magic for our hearts.

Family time: the goal of this trip was to remove ourselves from the hustle and bustle of our normal lives, to allow us time to connect with one another, and refocus on what matters most in life. We cooked healthy meals, played a hundred games of Yahtzee, attended in-person church each Sunday, took day trips all around the area, learned the piano, explored outside, watched movies, snuggled by the fire, laughed an awful lot, and entertained friends, while making new ones. This is the most time that we will ever have with all three of our kids at home. I am so grateful to say despite uncertain times in the world, that we are making the best of it. These are moments that will be forever cherished in my heart, and I’d assume in the hearts of our children as well.

Wildlife is Montana was all we had hoped for. Bison sightings galore, bald eagles perched on picturesque tree limbs, and more deer than we could keep track of. Some of our less expected animal sightings included: fox, skunk, a bull elk calling for his mate, a woodpecker, antelope, and turkeys— so so many turkeys! The only road congestion that we faced our entire month in Flathead was caused by darn turkeys crossing the road.

And our favorite animal visitors of all: two naughty puppies who would visit us every few days for some peanut butter bread, fetch, and snuggles. Henry and Ofellia made our stay even more special.

Flathead Lake is the largest fresh water lake west of the Mississippi, it’s HUGE!! And it is the first lake where we have been able to see all the way to the bottom, even from the boat. There wasn’t a day that we took this water for granted, and boy was it the center of some lifelong memories. From jumping off the dock, to fishing, to skipping rocks, kayaks or boat rides, we have enjoyed every moment of being on Flathead.

Leaving this slice of paradise was a little emotional. We slept with such peace, woke with such hope, and soaked up every moment in between. The home was beautiful, the location was serene, and the people made it all that much better. The first snow appeared the morning that we drove away, timing more perfect than we could have asked for. For all of the memories and those that will continue to be made, we are so very thankful.

Thanks for following along! Next stop: Wyoming!