Rainy Plays

Perhaps you had an upbringing that was unstructured enough to allow for certain freedoms.  When you awoke to the sound of rain dancing on the roof, you began to dance yourself.  Your performance required no rehearsal, as it had been done time and time again.  Reaching back into the coat closet, you found your beloved rain boots and raincoat and no, they were not too small like they would be for most.  Unlike most kids, they were not hand-me-downs.  Your rain boots fit just as well as your new school shoes.  And when you finished putting your raincoat on, on the way to the backdoor, you could barely contain yourself.  The only objection your mom would shout was, "Hey, put your hood up!"  Out the door you flew and the choreography began, with the birds as your chorus.  Spinning and stomping, dancing and and laughing.  You looked up with a great big smile that eagerly caught drop after drop.  Little eyes peered out of neighboring windows, wishing they too were granted such a great freedom.  


Then one day, there were no rain boots at the back of a closet.  There were no requests for a new rain coat. Rainy day dances turned into rainy day doldrums.  When you were asked to put the garbage out in the rain and you finally did, you looked down so not to get a drop on your face.  You grew up.


Addie and Ella would like to say, let your little one go out for some rainy play.  It may seem like a big deal to you, but it is an even bigger deal to the one holding rain boots.  Freedoms like these create lasting memories.  The ones we could only be so lucky to have, to travel to on a rainy day.

A Little Story about the Real Addie and Ella

When Addie and Ella hear a new package has arrived containing samples of clothing bearing their name, shrieks and giggle abound!  "Open it, open it" they say while bouncing around.  Once they finally stand still long enough to actually try something on, collectively they run away as fast as they know how when they spy the lens of the camera pointing their way.  As Addie once said, "I only like seeing my pictures in magazines.  I don't like doing the modeling part".   This quotation comes from the girl who also coined "When I grow up, I don't want to work because it takes too long".   The pictures that are finally captured do tell the story of two girls who actually like having their picture taken more than they realize.  From their mom's own lens, the one within watching the beautiful chaos of trying to capture a five year old and a three year old, something else is being captured.  Addie and Ella have no idea, as it is not something they can put into words.  A beautiful, caring, pure friendship is forming.  Naturally.  Like the one their own mothers share.  Undirected hugs and kisses take place in between shots that become shots, hands are held, laughter pours out like rain from the sky on a sunny day.  Whispers are heard like a faint wind.  They chat with each other, just like their moms do.  When a beautiful friendship is shared, it is even more beautiful and touching to see your children develop that same bond.  Addie and Ella are more than just two names united on a label, they are united in heart and spirit.