Backyard Makeover

Another renovation nightmare - our backyard has been 'under construction' since the spring. J and I both entered in the 97.5 Walk FM backyard makeover and won a chance at the $50,000 makeover but of course, we didn't win! So, here's the story just in case there is someone out there that will feel so bad for us that they'll give us a free backyard makeover. :)

Before:

Looks good, but underneath is a leaky, dangerously located in-ground pool, no access to our yard, 3 different gradients, a rock "garden" of weeds, a collapsing awning and a rotting fence.
































What we did so far...

• We replaced the fence with a new white vinyl fence
  
• We filled in the pool because it was going to cost the same amount as getting a new one just to fix it

• We leveled the yard so that we don't have 3 different gradients with rock, grass and cement with no apparent organization of such.
• We created two retaining walls to hold dirt in place so that we could still have a back entrance into our garage and a side yard with a different gradient.

• We spread 6 yards of top soil by hand (and shovel) and then spread grass seed and watered religiously just to come up with a yard full of crab grass and crazy weeds.
• We replaced the car-port awning with a custom made awning that is higher and can withstand hurricane force winds (just in case)
  

So, what are our next steps? Not a clue. Well actually we have a slight clue but it's impossible to decide on what to do with our new yard. We'd like to extend the deck with pavers, create more outdoor seating and entertaining area, barbecue area, maybe a fire pit and room for a future hot tub. Definitely a shed for the lawn mower and gardening tools and a swing set with slide for Livvy. Lots to do... anyone have any suggestions? Please send in your comments!!!