Packing challenges

As someone who is truly an overpacker, no matter where I go, this is the hard part for me. For these trips you really want to limit your bags and pack sensibly. So my idea of 5-7 pairs of shoes so I can have a choice each day is not really feasible.
Our goal, 2 medium bags (one for each of us, well mine is a little larger) and one carryon.
The other challenge is the weather.

This is what our forecast looks like:
Monday 10/9, flight out of Philly: Mostly Sunny 74°/52°
Tuesday 10/10, Moscow: Showers 58°/45°
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Murmansk: Showers (36°/31°), Showers (38°/30°), and
Few Snow Showers (35°/29°)--Yes that did say snow!!

Since the last time we were in Russia, it was pretty hot, this is new to us. From what we are told, they tend to overheat buildings, rooms, hotels, so the key is layering. Well I am sure I will be doing alot of packing and unpacking trying to get this all right!

We have some gifts for Maks for his first b-day: we bought some little toys, key teether, baseball bear (just like what alek had) and a fun little music toy.
He also got a cute little 1st birthday bear from Granny and Pop Pop and a First Birthday Bib from Grammom and Poppy (from Aunt Sandra's store). We can't wait to celebrate his special day with him.

I am working on Alek's little project (the links of love--thanks for the idea Kristen!!). Ok, I am so artistically challenged, I have messed up 3 links already--how hard can this be?!? He has special little presents for each day we are gone, so hopefully that will make him very happy!!

Back to the packing.....