Jackie,
Slovenia is a wonderful country and I would encourage you to do the year. My husband has worked in Llubljana for the last 2 1/2 years (on and off)and we have an apartment there. While it is helpful and courteous to take Slovene lessons, many of the locals speak English and some of their public schools have an English track. It is a well off country and is the richest of the countries from the former Soviet bloc. They have lots of industry, lots of opportunity and I found the people to be friendly. Good restaurants, good shopping. They do have lots of dogs and unfortunately, some don't clean up after them. Bringing your pets shouldn't be a problem. It is kid friendly and it is easy to find good quality babysitting (as in nannies) at VERY reasonable prices. As far as kid friendly, no problem. expatexchange.com may be a good resource for you. Good luck with your decision!
Jan

Jackie--
Slovenia is very much like the western European countries, but with a bit of its own customs, as every country has. But there is nothing unusual; the country seems to be a combination of Slavic and Germanic type of cultures, with a dash of Hungarian influence. The weather is generally good, not too cold and not too hot, the countryside is varied, and Ljubljana is a nice city. If you will be there a year, it would be a compliment to your neighbors if you would take some courses to learn enough of the language to get along with basic (very basic) conversation. The thing to learn first is "courtesy" expressions; next, "tourist" expressions, and next, "shopping" expressions. With a few phrases in these 3 categories, you should be in good shape. Also, if you have been exposed to German or Russian, you will find a good many Slovenians know those languages. But you don't have to be fluent before going; just start learning, and you will continue to learn rapidly after you arrive. As already mentioned, you will find the people gracious and kind. Enjoy your stay.

Thank you, Jan and Wayne. I have already ordered a book and tapes to learn Slovene. Doesn't sound like my French, Spanish or Japanese will help me out much! (I don't speak those fluently either!-ha Living in the country will help tremendously, so hopefully, I'll return speaking fluent Slovene. Thanks for the great advice. Jackie