Fun, Jenny!!!
Let's see....the Canon doesn't look like an SLR camera to me, from what I can see/read. It has an attached lens. So, that's a huge thing to consider if you want to be able to switch out lenses.
The Nikon is def an SLR. It's $579 on Amazon right now, btw. Amazon has a great return policy on cameras...you have 30days to return it, as long as it was bought direct from Amazon.
They both can do video, which is nice. The ISO on the Nikon goes higher, which can be both fun and convenient. The processor on the Nikon looks of better quality (CMOS is the processor).
Another important difference (that I think I'm seeing) is that the Nikon has "live view", whereas I don't think the Canon does. So, for taking piccies...on the Nikon, you could either use the regular viewfinder (where you put your eye up to the little diopter) -or- you could use "live view" - where you can view your subject live from the screen on the back of the camera (similar to most point and shoots). Whereas on the Canon...it looks like it doesn't have live view....? Maybe I'm missing it, but I don't think it has it. Live view is a deal breaker for some people, and not at all for others.
They're both nice cameras....