Ok I couldn't wait any longer...and went shopping (and missed DrGuile's post...unfortunately).
I got a Konica Minolta...5mp, 3x optical zoom...takes video clips. I do want to be able to print to paper, so despite not having more zoom, I'm pretty happy with the 5mp.
By batting my eyelashes at the salesman, I managed to get thrown in a 256mb memory card, carry case, and a battery charger which will charge 4 batteries in 1.5 hours, and can be plugged into the car.
I am one excited girl right now...tho I haven't quite figured out how to use it yet (including the bit about getting the pics from camera to puter).
I'll play over the next day and by the time the kids go to their dad's tomorrow night, I should be able to produce the promised pics.
Nick...thank you!