Winter is Serious Business

 When we were getting ready to come to Norway we weren't too concerned about winter. We figured we knew what we were doing. Madeline had been born in Milwaukee when it was 10 below zero and we had also lived in Maine and Utah. The first thought that Norway was not going to be the same as the States was when we contacted Madeline's school about school supplies. They said not to worry about school supplies but instead provided extensive guidance on dressing kids for recess. None of this wimpy, we don't go outside when it drops below 40 degrees in Virginia.

It has been a process getting geared to withstand the winter in Norway. Below is the family portrait without the family.

 Being warm and dry is not the only consideration, traction is also important. Yaktracs are like crampons for walking and came highly recommended so we picked a pair for everyone but Lucy.

After getting a note from the school telling us that Madeline's second hand snow suit was not adequate, I went out and got Madeline and James honest to goodness Norwegian snow suits. Needless to say they were not cheap, a couple hundred a pop. Add the wool socks, thermals, and gloves and it wasn't a cheap shopping trip. There is something nice about knowing they have the right clothes and that they are reflective.

Janet and I have had the benefit of collecting gear over the last few years, but both of us got some Gore-tex jackets and some serious boots before coming.

The only one left in cheap consignment store snow gear is Lucy. She won't spend too much time outside so she won't get cold enough to need a Norwegian snow suit this year.

Here are the two older kids right after they got their new snow suits. They can't wait for a 10 degree day tomorrow to see how they really work.

Staying warm and dry hasn't come cheap for our family, but it is nice to get out like the Norwegians in all weather including rain, snow, sleet, or freezing temperature without being slowed down.