Looking for a setting on an XTi

Okay, after running back and forth between the camera and the rest of the family for a group photo, I have to ask if there is a way to preset the camera to take X amount of shots at one time. For example, can I set the camera to take 3, 4, or 5 pictures each time I press the shutter button or when the self-timer goes off? This would be a great setting to have (if it is available) so I don't have to keep running back and forth. And yes, I know I can get a wireless remote, but my wife wants to keep that idea for a Christmas present

As far as I know you're out of luck - I don't think there's a setting which allows a set number of shots. It's either one shot or continuous shooting for as long as the button is pressed.

There is one possible way I can think of where you could get three shots at a time as long as you don't mid a bit of post processing. If you change the camera to self timer mode and use the exposure bracketing feature I think the camera will automatically fire off three shots (normal, under and over exposed). The minimum bracketing the XTi allows is 1/3 of a stop so you should be able to balance the three pictures back up again in photoshop without too much trouble.

I did use the bracketing once for the final picture, but I was hoping that there was a setting. Oh well, it looks like I can keep the remote on my Christmas list