Love the bloods! We finally got one(and we are big fans of yours!)
As far as the camera...I like Canon as well, and last year got the SX 40 HS. The only thing it doesn't have over the rebels is the SLR lens, but the 800mm equivalent super zoom more than makes up for it. I have yet to be disappointed in anything it does, from macros so close that it actually touches the lens, to the 140x zoom (on a tripod, of course). Simple enough to use as a point-and-shoot, but advanced enough for me to play with for hours on end. Absolutely love it! (I'd love to take some pics of one of your Oreo's, if we ever make it to OK)