Looking Through a Different Lens

Has there ever been anything you have swooned over, but didn't dare buy because you simply didn't need it?  I've wanted this camera forever, two years to be exact.

Meet my new camera addition, Nikon's D7000.

Ironically enough, the camera that was replaced looks nearly identical to it.  My first DSLR camera was Nikon's D40X.  I LOVE that camera because it is super light and does a pretty good job at shooting outdoor pics.  I've had that camera for 5 years and pretty much after reading up on the D7000 nearly every other day, but refusing to splurge, my hubby took it upon himself to order it for me and then he booked me a wedding photography gig so I could use it right away.  Ain't that sweet???  He went the extra mile and bought me the lens I wanted too.  It's sporting the 18-200mm NIKKOR lens.

So why update to D7000 when I love my D40X?  I wanted a camera that had a higher ISO (can shoot better in less light), a camera that I can see live.  I'm so used to looking through the viewfinder to snap photos, but it is an added bonus that I can see my pictures in real time on the screen beforehand (not having to look through the viewfinder).  It also shoots video which my old camera does not do.   Added bonuses are longer battery life and double SD slots.  It doesn't hurt that I can interchange my current lenses on my new camera which saves me money.  Have I bored you to death yet? 

I wanted to capture both cameras side by side in a picture, but my point and shoot camera's battery was dead.  I contemplated getting Nikon's D800 which definitely makes me drool, but I couldn't justify spending twice as much simply for family pics and blogging.  Plus, the added weight was a turn off since I take my camera everywhere.  Maybe one day (far far far down the line) I may take that leap, but for now, I am SUPER ecstatic about my new addition.  

My hubby wants me to sell my D40X, but I don't think I could possibly do it.  I still have my very first SLR camera that was given to me 18 years ago, the Olympus OM-1.  That was the best film camera I ever had because it didn't require any batteries.  Everything was done by hand, even from the film winding.  I never had to worry about my camera dying on me.  For now, I'll keep my D40X as my backup, but I will definitely be doing cartwheels as I learn all about my D7000 and start using it.  I am SO excited!

Camera Lens Dilemma

I miss my camera lens. It broke over our wintry weekend and life hasn't been the same. Here is my camera
I got it for Christmas a few years ago. It replaced my Olympus C-50 Point and Shoot camera that I also love.My son, E has inherited that camera. The 5 megapixel camera is a huge upgrade to his 1.5 megapixel Kid Tough camera I bought him when he was 3. The camera is still very popular with my other kids so money is not wasted. It has definitely been thrown around, dropped, splashed and still keeps on going.
That is not the case with my lens. Here it is:
This 18-55mm lens is a great lens that I simply can't live without. I do have the 55-200mm lens for zooming, but it isn't so practical for every day pictures. Having to stand many feet back to take a snapshot of my kiddos is difficult, especially when my kids hate standing still.
So, here is my dilemma. I could re-buy my 18-55mm lens or I could upgrade. I could replace my lens new for about $120. I did a little research and I also like this 35mm lens because it shoots in lower lighting which is great for indoor shots. However, it doesn't zoom. It sells new for about $200 if you can find it. These lenses have definitely kept its value and sells for relatively the same price on ebay for a used one.
I could go the complete opposite and upgrade my lens to a super duper deluxe, 18-200mm lens. This beauty is over $1000, but I can probably purchase it for around $650-700 on ebay. That is expensive, BUT if I buy this lens, I would be able to sell my 55-200mm lens for roughly $200 so I would only be spending $450-500.
It would be great to not have to switch back and forth between my lenses and to carry this one and only lens. The only bad thing I would say about this lens is that since it is bigger than my other lens, therefore, it is heavier. I generally like a lighter camera since I am already lugging around the diaper bag. I did get an offer on craigslist when I posted a "Want To Buy" posting for the lenses. I could get the 35mm lens for $160 OR I could get the 18-55mm AND this flash for $160.
This is the flash that I want and was looking to get. Both are pretty good offers. I am just not sold on which purchase to make. Which lens would you buy?