I'm with Roy&Lynne. If you are old enough to snowbird then your kids are old enough to take care of themselves. The travel goes both ways: they can come visit you, besides it is only 3 or 4 months: it's not forever. Haven't any of you ever served in the military?? you leave family behind all the time and so how you get through it and maybe build a stronger relationship. Enjoy your life You children and grandchildren will enjoy their and probably not give muck thought as to whether they miss grandma and grandpa.