Dede, sounds as if that move will be a positve one all the way around. Especially for the kids. I enjoyed what you had to say about getting to know people you'de been around for many years, but...ain't it the truth. Neighbors who are complete strangers because of a judgemental religion that lacks the ability to see anything good and wholesome.
Too, kids need the freedom to run and play; just be kids. As an old timer I'd get tired of that constant motion, but that comes with aging. I love children. They need attention, and sometimes those 'strangers' who are not afraid to report things to the parents. But I see to many older people that have an attitude of not caring about our youth.
Yesterday at work while waiting on a small group of people, the old lady (grandmother) constantly belittled the girl who I'd guess was 2 or 3. She was absolutely the most perfect child that grandma could say nothing nice about. When it came to the baby in the group, grandma couldn't praise him enough. THe whole thing made me sick to my heart.
At one point I noticed the mother looking at grandma with some consternation about how she spoke to the girl, but didn't say a word. That to me is shame, pure and simple. I do not like old people like that, but they are out there, eh.
So I'm sending good thoughts your way about the move. In closing I'll share that at different times my husband and I have tried attending other religions, too. He is a former Mormon and their stories pretty much match ours. Anyhow, there were some wonderful people and the music was always uplifting, but in the end, for us, no difference between the agenda.
Then again we went the political route, too, and the New Age/Metaphysical. It's all an adventure that takes one on a journey of self exploration. Whatever you do in life - ENjoy and learn. People will always be the most interesting subject matter. The good still outweigh the other.
love, granny.