I'm tired of my mulch yard and want to go back to grass.

Your local garden center will be able to recommend the best seed for your area and conditions. Yes, you need to till the soil down at least 6" so the roots of the grass can penetrate.

You will want to have some loam delivered and spread before seeding. Measure your areas all together and that will help determine how much you will need. It should be a minimum of three inches deep. Yes, rototilling and smoothing would help before the loam is spread. Good luck!

that spot would be lovely with river rocks and big natural stepping stones.no weed eating

To be honest I would leave that area alone it looks fine...

Instead of spending all the money in growing, fertilizing, watering, and weeding the grass, I would suggest establishing the 'stepping stone' area going from the driveway to the porch steps with either a solid concrete curved walkway, or aggregate curved walkway. No maintenance for either style, which would integrate the house and the yard more, and add upgraded curb appeal.

I would just like to recommend researching other ground covers other than grass too. Vinca is slow growing, but serious low maintenance. Thyme is fast growing and very short. Good luck.

oooo, that's pretty, I'll check with my garden center when they open in the spring.

Since there are no plants for most of the area you can use white vinegar and water 50/50 a dab of soap and salt

I'm sorry but you will be sorry if you go to grass again. I agree 100% with flipturn.

I cannot tell what area you live in, however, here in So Cal we are under constant threat of drought conditions and so many are turning to zeroscape landscaping. The cost of water is estimated to be 70% of the water bill for exterior watering. My water bill runs about $180/mo so based on that, I estimate about $125/ mo or $1,500/annual for the exterior. I wish I had your backyard.