Let's update this situation.
In discussions with the family, we made the decision that the proverbial bird in the hand was not worth looking in the mouth (I love mixing metaphors), and I should keep the internship/permanent job after graduating with my Geology degree. Stability, reliability, and the opportunity to begin building without having to start from scratch somewhere else. Moving sucks. Especially with a family.
Immediately upon the conclusion of this discussion amongst ourselves, almost as if the fates were eavesdropping, I received a follow up email from my potential advisor, of whom I spoke earlier. This email was even more positive than the last. He discussed what projects "we" could focus on when I arrive in Fall 2014 (he has a geophysics project in Antarctica!), and wants to schedule a phone call to discuss them further. He feels bad that the first project he mentioned has been shelved for now, as he thought I was a "unique fit for that project." Oh, and he also discouraged me from addressing him as Dr. Xxx, as the university has a first-name culture. Call me by my first name. Really?
My current institution is that way also, but is much smaller and more intimate (25 graduates/year in this department). By the time you graduate, you have been to your professor's house and been camping together. It's normal to be informal here.
So, the fence was built, but the grass beyond grew yet greener. I was asked what my ultimate goal would be, and I remain very open in that regard. Long term stable employment doing science = awesome. PhD and chance to teach and conduct research at a university = awesome also. I like researching, writing, doing field work, and presenting. I really do. I also like being a team member that is counted on and responsible and not moving, or changing my whole life.
That said, I have discovered that once degreed, one can work in industry and still conduct independent research on the side, sometimes with small grant funding, and write about/present your work at local organization meetings (like the GSA - Rocky Mountain division, for instance, or the CCPA). Maybe this is what I will do.
After all, my family's needs need to come first, right?
*sigh*