I'll be honest, I just skimmed the thread... Lol. Anyway, just wanted to say, great idea with the BTS!
A much better option for a teenager than a Sulcata, IMO.. Though great, Sullies get BIG and are incredibly destructive. Most definitely an intense life-long commitment. Tortoises are great, and if you guys decide to look into them again in the future, you might check out something like a Russian, which stays small and very easy to care for (as far as diurnal reptiles are concerned), or a Redfoot: interactive, not too big, and would thrive in your climate.
http://tortoiseforum.org is easily my favorite resource for any tortoise species.
Anyway, if you haven't been there already,
http://bluetongueskinks.net has a fantastic BTS care sheet. They also have a forum. If I'm not mistaken, the owner of the website is a reputable Blue tongue breeder, as well, so might be an option on that front, too.
Good luck with the new venture!
