>Ultimately, I think playing on his iPad or Nintendo DS was just easier than learning something like electric guitar which requires patience and some pain for a beginner.

I picked up guitar a little later than you, but what turned it from passing amusement (took some basic lessons) to lifestyle (still play almost two decades later) for me was forming a band with a friend who happened to be decent at songwriting and figuring out accompaniments to his songs. Much like with other things, a good social experience significantly improves the overall experience.

I still write music solo, but I personally don't find it nearly as rewarding without a partner to bounce ideas off of and give/get ideas/critique.