This was an interesting, but fun, project that turned out to be more than we bargained for.  After being informed on the day we were scheduled to start that there was no longer a landscaper involved, we were now thrust into the role of retaining wall builder if we were to proceed with building a swimming pool.  35+ boulders and a whole lot of stone later, we completed the retaining wall, pool, and concrete deck.  The homeowners’ willingness to take an active role in pitching in made this build an enjoyable bonding experience.