Barbie, Tulle, and the Pure Joy of Childhood

There’s something magical about watching 11-year-old girls discover tulle, twirl in big dresses, and make Barbies live out their wildest adventures—especially when you realize it takes you straight back to your own childhood.

Over the weekend, we had some friends of my older kids over—a wonderful family we’ve known forever. My daughter has known their daughter since they were 18 months old at Montessori school, and these girls are truly genuine friends. I don’t think anything will ever split them up.

The boys mostly stayed downstairs—video games, football, the usual. The girls went upstairs to my daughter’s room, where they dove into all the 11-year-old-girl classics: Barbies, dress-up, imaginative adventures. Around 9:30 or 10, they discovered my studio closets. I keep a client closet with amazing dresses—bright, vibrant, wedding-style gowns with tulle and flair. It was like Christmas morning for them. They twirled, danced, made reels, and just had the absolute best time.

When the cell phones died, we pulled out my Nikon. Even the best phone cameras can’t compete with shutter speed, lighting, and the feel of a professional camera. The girls were spinning, kicking up tulle, laughing—pure joy. I was snapping photos and having just as much fun as they were.

The girls were having so much fun that they kept ending up on the floor.... giggling issued.

It took me back to my own childhood. I didn’t have fancy dresses or a client closet, but I remember using a tablecloth as a veil, pretending to be a bride, and playing Barbies with my friends. My Barbies got into all sorts of trouble, and it was magical. That’s a rite of passage for any girl, isn’t it?

It’s funny because I always thought I was a late bloomer when it came to Barbie—but my daughter and her friends are fully embracing it at 11. They’re exploring imagination, friendship, and joy in the way kids have for generations. And watching them reminded me: these little moments—the spinning, the dancing, the tulle everywhere—are pure childhood magic.

Cell phones couldn’t capture it. The spinning tulle, the laughter, the little moments of pure joy—I had to grab my Nikon and watch childhood unfold in real time.

Love,

Kristian: A Pro-Tog and a Mom-Tog

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Mama, you pour out your love and energy into everyone else, but you deserve to be poured into, too. That’s why I’ve created a session that’s about more than just photographs—it’s about reminding you of who you are. At Kristian Hutchings Portraits, I’ll take care of everything so you can rest, shine, and leave with portraits that make you feel truly beautiful.

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Kristian is a mom of six, Program Manager by day, active Professional Photographer by trade, and a big believer in finding beauty in the everyday chaos.

Life in our house is loud, messy and full of literally everything. Love, noise, laundry, laughter, and definitely could use a bit more grace. I'm happily married to my best friend, grounded in my Catholic faith, and fueled by five to six hours of sleep per night and adrenaline.

I try to find joy in the everyday — even when it's wild, because without the little bit of joy, this life would be unbearable. This space is for the moms in the middle of it all: the ones juggling family, faith, work, and wonder. The ones that need someone else's messy life to make their own seem better or somewhat normal. You're not alone, and you're doing better than you think.

Welcome to Six Sweet Smiles — where we celebrate the mess, the miracles, and everything in between.