Gipsy Kings

I'm all for quality family time. More important for kids who come from families of seven, however, is one-on-one time. I've seen kids in family packs, my own included, being herded around Lagoon or the zoo, wearing glum faces that read, "My mom made me come." Not all family outings are that painful; most are really fun. But sometimes a child needs to get away from the herd and have an identity beyond "one of the Dopp kids."

Last night was Ruby's night. She and I left straight from ballet and drove up Parley's Canyon, out of the valley and away from our daily lives, to Deer Valley. Our destination was the Gipsy Kings concert. My favorite musicians, live in the mountains, with my little guitarist by my side to share my passion for flamenco-style guitar. The band was less gritty and organic than I remembered from last time, and more produced, but the crowd was amazing and Ruby's enthusiasm kept me from drowning in nostalgia, seeing the music through her eyes. Some of my best-loved songs were made entirely new by this experience.

By the end, Ruby was up, dancing and shouting for more songs. I have to say, Ruby looked beautiful in the alpenglow, with her freckles and luminous hair. The mountains make you notice the sublime, I guess. It was so renewing to spread our picnic out on a blanket and hang out with Ruby as if she were my one and only child. Every kid needs that attention, and Ruby took full advantage of it, talking to me about school and ballet and her guitar goals. After the concert, we stayed in Park City overnight at my parents' condo. I tucked Ruby in the big bed all by herself, and stayed up reading my book.

This morning we came down the canyon early to re-enter real life. Now, with Ruby at school with all the others, I have in my mind her point of view, her 4th grade perspective. All the things that are in her heart are present in my mind. The challenge and joy of having lots of little ones is seeing the world from so many perspectives simultaneously. Thanks, Ruby, for taking me back to the fourth grade. I love it there.