We went out and splurged a few days ago, getting some toys.  We felt it appropriate to get them now and use them rather than get them and wait until Christmas.  It's long overdue, and we've been wanting/needing something for a long time, so we went ahead and bit the bullet.  I think we made the right decision.

First toy: Nikon D50 digital SLR camera.  We've had an Olympus E10 camera for several years, and it's been pretty good (unless someone moves during a shot...terrible shutter speed).  The Nikon is pure joy to work with.  I would have loved to get the new D200, but the price was prohibitive...though I'm sure in a few years it'll be in the budget range.

Second toy:  Sony Handycam 301.  This is something that we've been wanting for a long time.  In addition to fun family videos and what not, I'll also be using this at the .NET User Group to film the presentations.  It records right to DVD.  That, coupled with Camtasia (which is a fantastic screen recording/capturing application), we should be able to do some really great things.  (and yes, I altered the picture to show the Incredibles...it just makes more sense that way).

It's going to be a fun!