Welcome to the gang, quinmalkiq. I'd say you've found one of the best hobbies there is and that it will hopefully help you both a great deal. There are loads of forums to look at, and all are full of people who are of tremendous help with hints and tips, and who are all great fun to talk to. I'm fairly sure all would say to you, as I do, that you should just jump in and have fun  .

For starting your first kit there are loads of helpful vids to look at, but if you just want to cut to the chase then sit down at a table, get all the parts sprues out of the box, lay the plans out and just browse through the instructions and the parts so you can see what goes where, in what sequence and are familier with everything. When you do make a start test fit parts before you do any gluing so you know they're okay. Most important of all, have fun and don't worry about doing things in the wrong sequence. If you fancy building the turret before the plans say you should...do it.  ;D

Here are some links to forums I'm on so you can be tempted further into the murky world of plastic, glue n' paint! Hope you both enjoy this wonderful, creative hobby.

http://maschinenkrueger.com

http://maschinenkrueger.com/forum/index.php

http://www.phoxim.de

http://www.zealot.com/

http://ipmsuk.proboards.com

http://shipmodeling.net

http://www.scifimodels.org.uk/

All the very best to you.