OUTSTANDING. Well done!
Did you end up doing the 529s? My kiddos are 3yrs and 5yrs. We put in $20k at age 0-1 and $20k at age 1-2 for a total of $40k per kid, and invested in mutual funds. Right now, they're at $68k and $72k, on their way to ~$180k by college (unless we decide to contribute more).
I really like 529s... In our case, the contributions were tax-advantaged. They'll pay for tuition, fees, books, a computer and internet service, equipment, living expenses, grad school, trade school, community college, study abroad, code bootcamp through a university, etc. lots of options. Depending on the state, they might even pay $10k/yr toward private elementary or high school. And, they can pass to grandchildren.
That was a long-ass divorce. Congratulations being through it and best of luck moving forward.