I drew up this ideal landscape in paint on my lunch break Friday. 

Big Black box - House
Dark Green Cirlces and Squares  - Existing trees and shrubs
Light Green - Lawn
Light Grey - Sidewalk, Driveway, A/C Unit, Stepping Stones
Light Brown - Flower Beds
Dark Brown - Deck

We need to install a deck, flower bed, and stepping stones on the right side of the house because any rain puts that area under water and makes for a dirty Dempsey.  The gate to the fence is on that side as well and it would be nice to be able to go out there without waders.  By building up a raised bed and using stepping stones we should be able to stay dry and the deck will give us a good place to wipe down Dempsey/Grill/let Amanda lay out.

Amanda's Dad; Bobby, said that he can help with the logistics of building a deck and moving lumber once we move in.  Now all we need is alot of wedding money to make it happen.

We are hoping to also get the majority of our 900$ deposit back from our landlord after move out.