Congrats to the both of you!!
I will also be starting the Ph.D. in Learning Sciences and Human Development program this fall. I visited a couple of different schools and met with prospective advisors before applying. I feel in love with the culture at UW's College of Education. I'm thrilled to start! Getting a community group started sounds like a great idea. Later around August/September, it would be nice for us to set-up a lunch/dinner in Seattle.