Lukas, Jacob and Maren modeling their Ukrainian snow suits/boots
So, I have to admit, I actually do miss Ukraine (or maybe I miss the experience?). Fortunately, I didn't feel quite so far away this morning as I dressed my kids in their Ukrainian snow suits/boots for a little romp in the snow! I could not suppress the giggles as I watched Maren, Lukas and Jacob waddle around in these massive suits (and occasionally fall down without the ability to pick themselves back up)! I think Josh and Evan got a kick out of watching them as well!
My TRUE Ukrainian snow bunny!
And my sweet little Uzbek snow monkey
In Ukraine (and Uzbekistan as well), this is how you will see all the children dressed as you walk the streets in the winter! The truth is, Ukraine is really not that much colder than it is in many parts of the US in the winter (Ohio included). It just seems colder there because you are out in the cold much more often. In Ukraine, you walk everywhere. In the US, you hop into your nicely heated vehicle whenever you need to go somewhere. And speaking of heat. . .in Ukraine, most buildings are heated by radiators. Most buildings also have incredibly high ceilings. These two factors combined often leave you feeling chilled even when you are indoors. In the US, we generally enjoy gas or electric heating as well as the ability to control the thermostat, which usually amounts to a nice, cozy, indoor environment! Heck, Richard walks around in shorts and t-shirts at home in the dead of winter. When he tried to do that in Ukraine, he almost froze to death!
Because Ukrainians spend so much time out in the cold weather, they have an abundance of "winter wear" to choose from. After watching the Ukrainian children walk around in their snow suits, we just could not pass up the opportunity to bring this part of Ukrainian culture home with us! I have to say, it was money very well spent. . .don't you think!?
Could you take me out of this monkey suit please!?
How they managed to get onto this teeter totter I am not sure. . .they could barely walk in those things (although they did get the hang of it pretty quickly)
Lukas, Jacob and Maren modeling their Ukrainian snow suits/boots
My TRUE Ukrainian snow bunny!
And my sweet little Uzbek snow monkey
Could you take me out of this monkey suit please!?
How they managed to get onto this teeter totter I am not sure. . .they could barely walk in those things (although they did get the hang of it pretty quickly)
15 comments:
Goodness they are all just so darn cute in their get ups. The monkey suit is precious. Love them.
Val
What you guys normally wear outside?? Thats what we wear in Canada.
Denise (IAmDenise ) TTC
I love seeing pictures of your kids, Valerie! But I have a question. How long did it take you to get them all dressed in their winter gear?! I think it takes me longer to dress my kids than it takes for them to decide they're cold and want to come back in!
Denise- We normally wear heavy jackets or snow suits when there is snow on the ground. On the outside, they don't look all that different from the Ukrainian snow suits. It is what you can't see. . .the insane amount of insulation on the inside. . that is vastly different from what we have here. In most parts of the US, a jacket will suffice when you are going to be outside. Snow suits are generally only for playing in the snow. In Ukraine, children do not leave the house without a snow suit. . .even if there is no snow on the ground.
Jennifer- Usually it takes longer for me to put the winter gear on than they end up playing outside for, but thankfully they were kind to me today and actually played outside for a good long time! I have become a master at getting kids dressed and undressed at records speeds (otherwise we would never get anywhere). I'd say it took me about 10 minutes to get all 5 of the dressed. . .and then, of course, Maren said she had to go to the bathroom! Haha!
I remember your post way back when you were in the Ukraine and buying the suits! They look very fluffy and warm, like the kid from A Christmas Story!
LOVE IT!!!! Very cute (I still check in on your blog every once it awhile)
We're still waiting for our sweetie from Armenia (Rita from Receese Other Angels)
10 minutes! That's incredible! I'm so impressed!!
You're missing Ukraine....I am missing USA!
They sure look cozy and warm. If our winters wouldn't be so short in NM, I would have ordered one from you, when you were in the Ukraine.
Valerie
The snow suits and monkey suit just CRACK ME UP!!! LOL
I remember we bought one for V and it was SO big and it engulfed him and all you could see was his little rosey cheeks and face.
Just love the little clothes (Ps even if most are imported to Ukraine per Masha)
So cute! Pretty much the cutest fam ever! Love ya, Miss ya!
Pretty much the cute Fam ever! Love ya and Miss ya!
Oh they are all just SO CUTE!! I laughed as I read your response about how long it took you to get them dressed. I don't know if it's being a moms of 5 kiddos or having triplets, but I'm always telling people that it only takes me a 1/2 hour or less to get the kids all dressed in the mornings and they look at me like I'm nuts! LOL. Truly, I tell them, it really doesn't take that long! Just line em' up and have the clothes are ready to go :)
Can't wait to see more pics. Love hearing about Ukraine... I can tell you miss it :)
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