how to respond when asked "why don't you get a DSLR?"

I just tell them the truth: that I never wanted the bulk of a DSLR or the need to really learn about photography but I wanted better shots of my kids.  The NEX is like a point and shoot that can give the same quality photos as a DSLR (and for me it has been exactly that).

Don't get me wrong, I've learnt about photography on the way but not too much, just enough to get the shots I really want and the NEX made that easy too