so i'm getting the "Flash cannot apply a Motion Tween between Shapes, only
between Groups or Instances" error message when i try and add a alpha tween on
the buttons mc. i've tried adding it in the mc and on the stage timeline, i've
tried grouping, ungrouping, i feel like i've tried everything.

any advice? here's the http://ericandcarmelita.com/tween.zip

There's something with text in buttons and fading them in that I never
understood; I looked at your file, if you break apart the text in every button
(in the up state) until they become simple graphic lines the fading in will
work.

Cheers
Gorka