Hi Golferguy,
You might find Virtualdub a little TOO techie for family videos - I find it most useful for batch operations. Also, it's a bit tricky to use with OHCI firewire - definitely written for the *nix set. Good app, tho!
I'm not sure whether you are using generic firewire or a specialized capture card for your project. These cards run $10 - 120 and usually come with a bundled application. Usually they come bundled with Pinnacle Studio or Ulead SE. Both are good solid, easy vacation video editors which will be intutive and straightforward. Ulead has a free 30 day trial. Google 'em for more info - I can't post the links here.
If you are using a slower machine, make sure you have LOTS of RAM and a big hard drive. You will need 10-15 gigs for one hour of footage.
Personally, I stick with the big guys : Avid Xpres Pro and Adobe Premiere, but that's cause I do this for a living.
Best,
Matthew
Active Matrix Networks, Inc.
Affordable Computer Support