The Deck Project Has Begun

So, we kicked off the deck project this weekend. We've pretty much finalized the deck plans and we are starting with removing some dirt below (we hope to finish the patio below someday). I started with cutting out the sod where a portion of the deck will go. We were going to excavate the dirt on Monday, but the weather didn't cooperate. Here is a sketch of the deck that I put together to visualize what we were going to do. It doesn't have the railing, but you should be able to get the idea! How do you like the BBQ?