I also hate flying & am always looking for ways around it, so if you have the support and are up for a road trip I would go option one. Then you don't face the attacks at all. If your kids travel well it should be fine & you could see things on the way.

Otherwise I would say option 2. Just get it over & done with. For me the moment we land is such a relief that I don't think I could do it over & over iykwim.