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The joys of a camera that works

Just after JSL was born, I decided that I wanted to get a small digital camera that I could easily transport with me while out and about with the kids. As an early birthday present, TechyDad bought me a Canon PowerShot A570. I have written about my adventures with this camera before, including here and here. To make a long story short, the camera stopped being able to recognize fully charged batteries in less than a year. Many web sites show reviews and similar complaints from other people, but Canon would not acknowledge it. A local camera store gave me a fix that worked for a short time.

My New CameraOnce again, my camera stopped working and was never charged even with new batteries in it. I was frustrated and upset. The timing was perfect with Chanukah and my birthday this week, so I asked to get a new digital camera. TechyDad and I finally narrowed it down to Panasonic DMC-FH20. Unfortunately, each time a Canon was suggested I could not think about it after my recent experience. Sad, since I know Canon cameras are good. TechyDad’s digital imaging friends said the Panasonic was great.

On Friday, my camera arrived and I have not looked back. Although I am still getting used to the menu options and settings, I am in love. My little red powerhouse (seen above in a bad photo taken by my cell phone) takes amazing shots and is easy to toss right into my purse for on the go moments. Below are a few photos from the weekend via my new camera.

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The boys sat and were cooperative letting me take photos of their new Agent P pajamas that they picked out for Chanukah.

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TechyDad trying to figure out his new camera. I can’t wait for him to share the photos from his DSLR, they are unreal!

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Front and back of the new Mickey and Minnie pieces that my parents gave us for Chanukah. Later I will share some of the macro shots of these, they were pretty amazing for a tiny point-and-shoot camera.

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The boys concentrating on their games. Note the dimples on both of them! Please excuse the hat hair. All three of the boys had just gotten their hair cut and it was being a bit defiant.

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A macro shot of my Chanukah earrings. TechyDad and I were both using them to test our cameras last night. It only took us a few minutes to realize what the Hebrew on them said (we then realized we both need sleep).

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While knitting a little, I had to pull out my camera. I have not been able to get a decent photo of the yarn I am currently using. I think this did it. You can see the swirls of purples and other colors within it. Now I just need to finish the scarf so I can use it.

Just thought I would share a few items from the weekend via my new handy dandy Panasonic camera that TechyDad and my parents bought for me. Thank you again everyone, I love it!

TheAngelForever

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Chanukah 2010 with family

Dear NHL and JSL,

Tonight we went to Nana and Papa’s house. We decided to have Chanukah dinner there over the weekend so we did not have to worry about school or work the next day. The two of you were so excited because you knew that Mimi and Aunt T were going to be there.

As soon as Mimi and Aunt T arrived, the two of you were busy showing them your Chanukah presents from last night. The photo of the two of you was priceless. Of course, the timing of the gift was rather magical given the news that we received earlier in the day. Yes, we are going to see Mickey and friends thanks to the Disney Social Media Moms Conference.

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Dinner was delicious. Nana made pierogies (favorite for both of you), along with latkes, veggies, tilapia, sour cream, and apple sauce. When dinner was over, both of you played. Then it was time to light the candles and exchange some presents. The two of you made out quite well. Toy Story 3 DVD, Bed Bugs game (UGH – Nana was trying to be funny with that one), a new Mario DS game, and Handy Manny game for the iXL.

Once we were finished with dessert, we all went into the living room to watch Shalom Sesame. This DVD was all about Chanukah and being in Israel. When it was over, it was time to head home since you were both exhausted. Here are a few photos from the evening on my new camera.

Chanukah Party 2010

It truly was a fun evening with our extended family (of course I wish more family had been here). I hope the two of you cherish these times as much as I do.

Love,

Mommy

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If you want to participate in Dear Kid Saturday, head on over to Cutest Kid Ever by clicking on the button below.

Dear<br<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />

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Kid<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />

Saturday

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Put on your yarmulke. . .

it’s time to celebrate Chanukah! Why yes, Adam Sandler’s song is one of many that we play during the Festival of Lights at our house. For the first night on Wednesday, we put on the Pandora Hanukkah Station to see what new songs were there. I was surprised that a lot of the songs were all in Hebrew – yikes!

After we lit the candles, the boys received a gift. I will spare you with the comments that we received after handing them their presents. Suffice to say the little guy was not pleased with clothing and said it was not a Chanukah gift – oy!

Thursday evening we lit the candles for night two. TechyDad and I did not buy a lot of items for the boys this year. They receive plenty during the year and from family. I wanted to give them something that would keep them busy. So we pulled out a shared gift and some Chanukah coloring books. The little guy cried again – although I think it was over needing a tissue. The big kid was happy to watch the DVD and color in his book.

Low key Chanukah

So my question to you this week:

What was your least favorite holiday gift that you ever received and why?

P.S. – Please stop by and check out my guest post on Chopper Shopper Chatter about Creating Chanukah Traditions. Oh and don’t forget to enter my two giveaways. #1 for an Aurora stuffed gift (ends 12/5) and the other a gift pack from Loveable Labels (ends 12/12)

TheAngelForever

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Thanks to Kailani at An Island Life for starting this fun for Friday. Please be sure to head over to her blog to say hello and sign the linky there if you are participating.

Aloha Friday by Kailani at An<br<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
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Island<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
Life

Aloha #128

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Vote for the 2010 Toy of the Year Awards

While in NYC this summer, I had the amazing opportunity to spend an evening with several of the people that work for the Toy Industry Association. It was a nice chance to talk to them about our love of techy and education toys, along with the need for more focus on boy items.

Just before Thanksgiving, The Toy Industry Association unveiled nominees for the 11th Annual Toy of the Year Awards.

Established in 2000 as the "Oscars" of the North American toy industry, the annual Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards bring colleagues together to salute the "best of the best" and celebrate the success, creativity and playful spirit of toys and play.

This year they are doing things a little differently. This is the first year that consumers can also vote for their favorite products in 11 different categories. Anyone can vote from November 22, 2010—January 12, 2011. When you register your votes, you even enter for a chance to win toys from a category that you select. The awards will be announced Saturday, February 12, 2011 in NYC.

So what are the categories? Here they are with a brief explanation of each from The Toy Industry Association:

Activity Toy of the Year
Toys that inspire creative play through various forms of activity

Boy Toy of the Year
Toys developed for boys of any age

Educational Toy of the Year
Toys that help children to develop special skills and knowledge through play

Game of the Year
Children’s board, card, CD-ROM or electronic game formats. (Note: all electronic games must have an ESRB "early childhood" rating)

Girl Toy of the Year
Toys developed for girls of any age

Infant /Toddler Toy of the Year
Toys developed for infant children and toddlers (ages up to 36 months)

Innovative Toy of the Year
Toys that combine innovation and play value

Outdoor Toy of the Year
Toys designed for outdoor play

Preschool Toy of the Year
Toys developed for preschool-aged children (ages 3-5)

Property of the Year
Property that had the greatest success spreading its brand throughout the industry

Specialty Toy of the Year
Toys primarily distributed through specialty retailers

    To see the actual toys nominated and vote, please head to www.toyawards.org. While looking at the toys, take time to vote and check out the downloadable list that you can print off for holiday shopping.We own a few of the toys that are up for awards. Here are a few teaser photos:
    VReaderMinotaurus

Paper Jamz GuitariXL

Happy voting!

TheAngelForever

Disclosure: I just wanted to share this information with my readers. As a fan of toys, I thought this would be a fun experience for everyone involved. I did not receive any compensation for sharing about the Toy of the Year Awards, in fact I am less likely to win the prizes now since more people will be entering *wink*

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