a level yard is taking shape!

now we need grass! badly!!! i'm hoping the seed takes well in the spring. i really don't want all this dirt dragged into my house, and our two crappy dogs are really good at that! i'm also looking forward to designing the landscape. i've had my eye on some cherry blossoms and dogwoods for a while. the house faces north, so anything in the front yard will have to be hardy for the cold shade. the other three sides will have a bit more flexibility. any ideas?