Very nice thread - every good wish for continued riding fun.

One specific suggestion. Riding with clips and straps is one more thing to manage for a new rider - so maybe get a hundred or so miles done before using 'em?

And then - did you say your wife didn't like 'tennies' - is that, tennis shoes? If so, I completely understand - soft soled shoes with grips on are really hard to slide into toe clips. In fact, they don't slide, they bend and bunch. Really tricky.

My suggestion -

100 miles over a few rides without any kind of foot retention gadget
Then get a pair of stiff soled, smooth soled cycling specific shoe (probably with spd mountain bike capability)
Then experiment with either toe clips and straps or mtb clips and pedals

Enjoy the process of getting more familiar with the options!

Sent with every good wish from one bike and motorbiker to another