Hi There.
I have been into aviation a very long time but never got to flying. So, started 2 weeks ago and asking the all too familiar question "Why didn't I do it earlier????"
Well, the good thing about not flying a lot at the moment is that you can learn enough. I will suggest you learn about the theory and it will make the trips with your girlfriend's family a lot more fun :)
Here is a good link http://flysafe.raa.asn.au/#groundschool to start with.