M.L.
As a military wife with 3 kids (now 16, 16 and 15) who have moved 6 times during their lives, I will tell you that RESEARCH will be your best friend if you decide to make this move. No matter what, the kids will miss their friends and schools and routines--especially because they've never moved before. But if you're well prepared in the areas of schools, soccer leagues, dance schools, boy scouts, parks, zoos, and other "fun things to do" (or whatever your kids are interested in etc., it will make the transition much easier. Also, if a child (especially the oldest) has a particular friend that might be able to come for a visit a few months after you move, it's very empowering for the child to be able to show the friend around the new place and tell them all about how great it is (this works with grandparents too). You need to find as many positives as possible--and the kids will feed off of your attitude. Every time I've met a kid who talks about how awful the new town or school is, I've found that they sound just like their parent. Ultimately, you're the parents and your kids will look to your example for how to deal with this--if you stay positive and make the move an adventure rather than a traumatic event.