First , welcome to the hobby. As a LOTR owner I would hold off on it maybe considering your wife and kids level
of skill. With its extended game play it is not something to play all the time but
maybe for yourself it would be ideal if you are an average to better player. I would play it first just like any other
game. You need to spend time on it. Its truly a masterpiece. Your family might be different with this one and just another machine.
Its great in a larger collection.
So much to choose in this price range new or old. I like Stern's POTC which have been popping up quite a bit
for sale. Maybe go for a ST Pro or perhaps go a little more on a AFM/MB Classic.
You can't beat these four for family fun!