Google Account link

I have done this and so have the rest of my family.

When you create your Apple ID, enter your google email as your Apple ID.

If you already have an Apple ID using icloud email, you can change it to google: http://appleid.apple.com/ on your computer. Click Edit on the Account. Then click Change Apple ID...

You can set up your mail and calendar using your google account.

Settings → Mail → Accounts → Add Account → Google...

You can also use Google's Calendar and Mail apps.

Settings → Calendar → Accounts → Add Account → Google...

If you have any further questions, let me know...