I was ALL for leaving them at the farm with your Grandpa. I mean all that wonderful room to roam and i figured there'd still be someone there that they know.

If it's true though what your dad said about them doing nothing but moping around while you were gone then you NEED to take them with you.

The distance and climate won't be much for them to get over. It will be the routine you'll have to worry about. They're used to having the run of the farm. They'll need LOTS of walks and stuff where you're going. They'll also have to learn to stay away from many of the critters down there. Make sure you have a Vet set up down there ASAP and make sure they deal with snake bites and scorpion stings.