Did I get a "we don't want this job" price?

2011 Avalon owner here. I received the following quote for spark plugs and a water pump job.

Spark Plugs - $715.61

Water Pump W/ Coolant - $1182.05

For a combined total of $1897.66!

This was not from a dealership, but a highly-rated independent shop in my area that specializes in Toyota/Honda. I was a bit bummed out about these prices as I am still searching for Virginia's "The Car Care Nut," and thought I had gotten close.

The shop says they'll only use OEM parts, so to compare, I called my dealership to get parts prices. The water pump's ~$243, and spark plugs are ~$23 each. Some very rough math indicates to me that there's about $1500 in labor here, so I'm figuring that this is one of the following:

1. They're dropping the engine for the water pump, a method I thought had been retired now since even TCCN does it through the passenger wheel well

2. They're telling me to go away. Too busy or whatever the case is.

So I'm asking those who've had the same job(s) done on their cars before. What were you charged?

Also, I'm aware that spark plugs, while a PITA, are pretty DIY-able, I was just too afraid of breaking a clip or a wire. I may have to get over that now.