June to the forum.
As most people have said, if you can squeeze the budget, go for the 8" dob. I borrowed a mates for a couple of weeks and they're dead simple to use. From that you'll get value for money and great views of the moon, planets and bright star clusters - you and the kids wont me disappointed.
Further to that you'll need to get some basic equipment, eg red torch, planisphere, collimating tool. Better still google Stellarium and download (its free). Helps you get your bearings around the night sky.
Good luck and let us know what you get
