A Sparkly Fourth in Santa Fe

In the morning, we got to attend a super-schmantzy 'brunch' at an Art Gallery for all the Opera singers and their Patrons. And their moochable sisters, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews. We're always up for crashing a schmantzy party!

We almost bought this fine sculpture for Oliver. Seems that human babies aren't the only ones that like to nibble on their toes:

The gardens were sublime, the food was even better. We met lots of interesting people, and eventually the crowds subsided and Erin was able to enjoy her brunch. It was quite the event. Luckily, there were other children there, and Lizzie quickly made a new friend, Effie, who's dad is in a different opera this summer. They're now fast friends and email buddies.

In fact, all the kids ended up making new friends. There were children from Toronto, Italy, and other places, some didn't even speak English. But they all spoke the language of "freeze tag" - tag knows no boundaries.
Later that night, we did some fireworks at Erin's pad. We decided to invite Mom, Dad, and Whitney:
I had fun with some camera tricks:





Then somehow, Ivy managed to stick her sparkler right in Erin's rear end. It burned right through, and from henceforth and forever, Erin will now be known hereafter in this blog as "Sparklebutt."
Eli, Lizzie, and Sparklebutt.
Lizzie, Sparklebutt, and Ivy.

Oliver and Sparklebutt enjoy the lights! ;>
Happy Fourth, and thanks to Sparklebutt for a WONDERFUL AWESOME trip to SANTA FE!!!! We love you!