K.C.
I *always* go with the direct option if available, especially if cost isn't really a problem. I'm a point-A-to-point-B-in-the-quickest-time-possible type of person. Layovers with small children (which I've done many, many times) are a pain and tiring, and, omg, what if your first flight is delayed and you miss your next flight because of it (which has ALSO happened and is a nightmare). Given the choice, direct flight. Always. Just get there and get the traveling over with.