Sledding
A while back before Christmas, we walked down to an area of the city where they had placed large boards covering two huge snow piles, which made for some nice big sledding hills. Here are some pictures from our little outing…
Those are huge blocks of ice carved with really pretty designs all around the tree.
There she goes! Sliding is just as fun as sledding.
Reindeer! Not sure why he was there, probably relaxing before flying around with Santa.
Pony ride anyone?
Eight
Eight months since our little bouncing baby boy came into the world. Those two little girls love him to pieces. I often find them arguing about whose boy he is. They are two little mommies and are already looking out for their brother.
Keith is just now beginning to crawl, he will pull himself forward with his arms then try to get his legs to catch up. He isn’t coordinated, but he is finally getting there. He still does roll everywhere too.
He is also getting two top teeth. One in the middle and the one beside it. They seem to be taking their good old time too.
Furrrrry
Can you guess what this is?
How about now?
These are my horse hair fur boots.
These babies are necessary for staying warm in the very cold weather outside.
The beading is very traditional for this area of Russia.
Besides horse hair, the most popular boots here are made of reindeer and they are very, very expensive. These were quite a bit cheaper and they still keep me warm even with one regular pair of socks on. I was starting to feel the cold slightly when I had to stand at the bus stop one day, but that was it.
This guy is selling fish and a few other items.
This is how most women are dressed; fur hat, fur coat, fur boots.
The children here are also dressed in fur.
There are a few stray dogs that run around the city, not as many as there were in Moscow. They definitely build up their up coat of fur, being outside all the time.

































