1.Yes. 2.No.
1. When you return in Apr, your passport expiration date
will be within 6 months. So the answer is yes. I think
it's a good idea, because it will avoid the risk of lost
while you mail your passport to and from the Consulate.
There always some unlucky guys. :(
2. Since there will be about 8 months from Apr to your
family member's passport's expiration date, you can't
renew it.