My new toy!

My newly acquired toy - a canon G9!

Headline features
-12.1 Megapixels (1/1.7” sensor) with RAW mode for maximum image control
- 6x optical zoom lens with optical Image Stabilizer and SR coating
- DIGIC III and iSAPS for lightning fast response, superb image quality and advanced Noise Reduction
- Face Detection AF/AE/FE and Red-Eye Correction in playback
- 3.0” high-resolution, PureColor LCD II with extra wide viewing angle
- ISO 1600 and Auto ISO Shift
- Compact body with dedicated ISO and Multi Control dials
- 25 shooting modes including full manual control and 2 custom settings
- Extra telephoto reach with Digital Tele-Converter and Safety Zoom
- Hot shoe support for Canon Speedlite flashes and optional lens accessories

Canon G9 is a high end compact camera with many of the SLR features built in. But its ease of use means that a seven year old Luqman can point and shoot pictures like above and below.

The arrival of my new toy, means that my old toy Canon EOS400D is more available for use by Haziq, a budding photographer in the family. Pictures below were taken by Haziq! I think they are amazing...

The EOS 400D features
- 10.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor
- Canon’s EOS Integrated Cleaning System
- 2.5” LCD screen with 230K pixels and 160º viewing angle
- High-precision 9 point AF system
- Picture Style image processing parameters
- DIGIC II image processor with 0.2 sec start up
- Digital Photo Professional RAW processing software
- Compact and Lightweight body
- Fully compatible with all Canon EF and EF-S lenses and EX-series Speedlites

Family matters!

Since the start of school, I have been driving the three boys to their respective schools every morning. The journey from our residential apartment to both Amirul and Haziq's school and then to Luqman's school takes about an hour, and then a return trip of forty five minutes. It has been a long time since I spent as much quality time with the boys and LiL every morning.
LiL and the boys seemed to enjoy the ride as much as I do.
We talk about their school lessons, new friends, and some of their new experiences.

Amirul for example, is into this project of writing a guide book for tourists to cross the the plain of America in the days of the Red Indians. In the last couple of days, I have learnt a lot about ancient America by listening to his research.

Haziq has written an essay on "The most memorable moments during the summer holiday". We asked him to read his essay during one of the morning drive, and both LiL and I were touched listening to his account of the day we spent at the orphanage.
Of all the things he did, he remembers the day at Darul Izzah with the children there the most.

Luqman, has been both funny and so sweet every time we approach his school. Last week, he said to us "Please touch my heart, it is beating so fast...I think I am scared". LiL did touch, and she confirmed that he was anxious. We tried to understand the cause of his anxiety. It was the Religious lessons. He has been anxious in trying to memorize some of the Ssurah and Doa taught.
This morning, I thought he was so cute when he said to LiL just before they left the car, "Mom, please don't kiss me in front of the whole school. Just kiss me in the car like Ayah does".
Hehehehe....

I am reconsidering the decision to hire a driver. Time with Family matters!
Finally I got to see how they are early mornings - the good, the grumpy, and the cute side of my boys.

After six days of fasting, Luqman still break fasts at 2pm daily. He was so proud today for not eating in school despite one of his classmates celebrated her birthday and they served out cupcakes. We congratulated him.....and quietly I made a mental note to buy him some cupcakes soon.