My wife's SLR works great also, but I have to admit I like downloading and picking which pictures to print. I haven't made the leap to DSLR yet. A friend is the head photographer for a major University and he had given me recommendations 2 years ago, but those are essentially obsolete now. I will say he didn't think there was any reason for the average person to buy top of the line. The middle of the road Canon's and others are perfect, and will save you money, which you can use towrd other lenses or equipment.
Watch for the package deals with a zoom lens included. You should easily be able to find one under $1000 with most likely 2 lenses, case, extra memory card etc. Canon and N**** were running deals a month ago on their 1-2 year old models which would be perfect, and well under $1000, or close to it with the package deals. Most of these new cameras shoot remarkable HD video now also. A parent from my kids soccer team uploaded video last fall of a game, and it was incredible.
I don't think you will honestly notice a difference between 15 and 18 megapixels, and you could save some cash this way also. On the other hand if you have extra cash, go big! Go into a local camera shop and see what they have, and info they can offer, maybe even buy from them if they can come close in price. That way you have a local place to go with questions. Check them out via BBB, and references, as I m sure as with anything some are better than others.