got my new DSLR!!! YAY!!!

My hubs decided that it was worth the extra expense to get me an early Christmas/bday present so i could get to know my camera before Christmas and get some good pics at Christmas.  I got a Canon XS.  I absolutely love it so far.  I was amazed at how much difference a good camera can make! 

So tell me what you think--this is my first time taking pics.  My 4 yr old DD was excited about my new camera too so she actually let me take pics of her!

I know I need to work on lighting and those darned shadows.  I would like to get a better flash someday.  Any ideas on how to eliminate the shadow would be appreciated!  CC if you'd like. :)

she is a serious little girl, by nature, so I don't try to get a cheesy fake smile out of her. 

this captures them both so perfectly--the facial expressions do anyway.  Autie is so proud of being a big sister and Matalie is just ready to go home. haha!!