So on to Plan B:
I got this image of off Google, and it isn't exactly what we have in mind. We hope to keep the stone steps going down the side of the house, but will be replacing everything else (possibly including the stone landing) with a wooden deck, similar in size to the one above. Andy Mast is coming this evening to give us an estimate. We already bought some lumber, so hopefully, he will be able to use all of it.We are really looking forward to having that project checked off the list. I am crossing my fingers, hoping Andy can finish the whole thing before the vacation.