Installing Patio of Creek-rock of (Vastly) Different Thicknesses

Hi,
I am trying to make a patio of flat creek-rock, but the creek-rocks are vastly different widths. Some are about an inch thick and some are maybe 5 inches thick. However, all of them are relatively flat. So, my question is, what is the best way to get the different rocks to come together as relatively level patio surface. Where I am we get deep freezes for some time in the winter and the soil is a bit sandy (not sure if this matters).

To help illustrate what I'm talking about, here is a picture of the rocks up close (replace the stars with ************, not sure why it is removing the site name):
http://i51.************/n2ebm8.jpg

and here is a picture of the whole patio (replace the stars with ************):
http://i51.************/1tpwu8.jpg

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks!
Ken

 

Ok, again, it replaced TINYPIC . COM with stars, both in the web address I gave and in my note.

 

I don't think this site supports Tinypic. Try posting them in Photobucket.
As to your question, the only way I can think of to do it is this: start by laying a DEEP sand bed and placing the thickest stones first. Fill in some more sand and place the next thickest ones. Keep this up until you have laid them all from thickest to thinnest.
No matter how you do it, this job will be a time-consuming nightmare. It would be far easier to use stones of the same relative thickness, but you've got these and seem to really want to use them.
Keep in mind that in a deep freeze climate like yours, your patio will heave regularly and you'll need to rework the stones often.
Maybe a stone mason can give you better advice. I'm a concrete guy. Good luck.