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Celebrating Our Fourth Anniversary

See what I did there? If our 4th wedding anniversary were a movie sequel I’m sure that’s how the title would be treated on the movie posters (and yes, it would be dubbed a blatant rip off of Scream 4). Anyways, as is the tradition, we’re dropping in with our little rundown about how we celebrated four years of marriage last Thursday (see our three year anniversary post here and our two & one year anniversary post here). This year it kicked off, as most days do, with breakfast.

Four Breakfast

I made this particular breakfast (Strawberry-Orange Stuffed French Toast with Raspberry Butter) as an homage to our so-good-we-took-my-picture-with-it (here) favorite meal during our Alaskan honeymoon. Of course, what I lacked in food presentation (do I get points for my strawberry hearts?) I made up for in flowers in our wedding colors.

Four Flowers

We agreed not to do gifts this year (our new laundry project was going to be a joint gift to ourselves), but I broke the rules when I spotted a bunch of bee-themed stationery from Smock Paper. Since Sherry’s an epic list maker and our wedding invite had bees on it, I just couldn’t stop myself from shelling out my credit card digits for a few items. And yes, Smock Paper is a sponsor of ours but no, they didn’t have any part in me buying these. They’re probably finding out about my purchase via this post, actually.

Four Johns Gifts

They sadly didn’t have any bee themed big sticky pads, but I got one in the closest color scheme since I knew Sherry was low on office notepads (small sticky notes went unused in our junk drawer, but these big guys are already getting a workout). We appreciate how eco-conscious these wares are in general, but we particularly loved this simple request printed on the bottom: use this to do good.

Four Use This To Do Good

What I spent in dollars, Sherry matched in thoughtfulness – writing a homemade card listing thirty things she, Clara, and Burger love about me (each of them got ten). I told you, the girl loves lists. And it sure beat the “Love, John” in my card. Oops.

Four Sherrys Card

But the day wasn’t about exchanging paper products. It was about doing fun stuff together. So after working the morning away, we ducked out for lunch at one of our favorite casual spots: Sticks Kebob Shop. Yum. And we had a $10 off Groupon for it too. Aw, cheap lovebirds. Or should I say cheep? (Bird joke for the win).

Four Sticks Kebob

From there we popped over to a local art place called Crossroad Art Center, which we’ve heard lots about but never managed to visit in five years of being Richmonders. It’s basically a massive gallery featuring of lots of local artists, though sadly we couldn’t take pictures inside for ya. One of our favorites was Morgan E. McKinney, but we didn’t find anything in our current price range. Someday.

We did get giddy over these $4 paintings-turned-notecards by Sherri Conley that we thought (once framed with big generous mats) would make for a great little “zen moment” in our master bathroom. So we took them home.

Four Sherri Conley Prints

How could we pass up buying something that said “I Love You” on our anniversary? And the photographer’s name is Sherri, so that counts for something too, right? Sherry and I were actually standing in different areas of her booth and each said “this is sweet” at the same time. We reconvened to see what each other had found and we were both holding the I Love You airplane card.

Four I Love You Close

From there it was time to take our annual corny anniversary photo. We’ve got a little tradition of snapping (and later framing) a family pic each year on 7/7…

NotWedding Four Years

… and this year definitely proved the hardest. Apparently a 14 month old can’t grasp the concept of “hey, look at the beeping black thing on the funny three-legged stick… and oh yeah, smile while you’re at it.” Guess we didn’t know the blessing we got last year when her 8-week old self slept through the entire thing. But we did eventually manage to get this one. Stacked heads = maximum cheesiness.

  4thanniversary1

Apparently we pressed our luck by trying to get Burger in the picture. This was our most successful attempt. Hey, at least the adults are looking!

  4thanniversary2

Then we headed off to grab our anniversary photobooth picture (more on that tradition here). The place we always go (New York Deli here in Richmond) has an authentic 50-year-old booth that actually develops film strips (not digital prints, like a lot of the others out there). Sadly the booth was having an off day, so the results were especially smeary (note the fourth frame in particular). We were having a bit of an off moment too, apparently. Yes, Clara cried the entire first strip.

Four Photobooth

Well, that was actually the second strip because we didn’t even keep the first one. During our first attempt the thing started going off prematurely with only me in the booth, so half of the strip is me looking perplexed and calling for Sherry to hurry inside with the bean. But we got some happy squeals during the third attempt from Clara. Good nuff.

After some in-the-car blog tending (what did people do before iPhones?) it was dinner time.

Four Brio Meal

We ate at Brio Tuscan Grille because it was the site of our rehearsal dinner back in 2007 and, well, we hadn’t been back since celebrating our second anniversary. Meaning it was this little lady’s first trip.

Four Clara Brio

Is it just us or is there something hilarious about a sippy cup, some Goldfish crackers, and a Dr. Seuss book on a carrera marble table? Thankfully those magic items (plus her very own pasta meal) were enough to keep Beansie happy and entertained – even after a long day of celebrating.

Four Clara Sherry Brio

And as if we hadn’t shoved in enough anniversary bid-ness already, Sherry followed up this July 7th just like she did four years ago after our wedding: by chopping off a bunch of her hair (you can actually see her with short hair waay back in the 2007 archives here).

Yep, say “goodbye” to the honorary fifth member of the YHL team: Sherry’s ponytail.

Haircut 1

Though I’d say it’s a fond farewell, since I think my lady looks mighty sexy this way. Note that she was too shy to pose for photos by me, so she snuck off and took pictures in the mirror because “I made her nervous.” Aw yeah, four years later, I still got it.

Haircut2

Oh and Sherry wants me to add that all is right with the world – she can still pull her hair back into a tiny pony when we paint. How would she know? Let’s just say we’re working on the laundry room rightthissecond. More details tomorrow.

Anyway, as much fun as we had this seven-seven, we must admit that our minds have already kinda skipped ahead to next year’s big five year anniversary. In honor of our Alaskan honeymoon, we thought it’d be perfect to celebrate the big 0-5 by going to Hawaii (since it’s sort of Alaska’s non-contiguous partner in crime). We haven’t really planned much at all, but we figure if we keep saying it out loud it’ll force us to actually make it happen next year. Since we haven’t actually flown anywhere on vacation since our honeymoon in 2007. Better make it happen.

Comments

  6. Amber says

    LOVE the new do’ Sherry!! Such a pretty picture at the end of this post. I know we all make a big deal about your hair on here. I also love the way you spent the day together as a family. So sweet.

    Reply

  7. Lauren says

    I’ve said it before and I will say it again…angelina jolie doppelgänger all the way. Love the hair!

    Reply

  9. Anne says

    Seeing as I just got married 7 weeks ago, I am noting all of this down for our first anniversary NEXT year. We went to Hawaii on our honeymoon, and I absolutely loved the scenery. Everything is so green and lush and looks like it’s just out of a movie.

    Reply

  10. laura says

    Sherry – you look gorgeous! I hardly ever comment, but just had to say you look absolutely amazing with your new haircut…even more distinguished than with the long hair, I’d say.

    Reply

  12. Meghan Solberg says

    LOOOOOVE the haircut. I did the same and donated 11 inches last fall–and have since been LOVING IT. I do occasionally long for the locks, but for the most part–Love the easy-peasy.

    Reply

  16. Brittany says

    Work it girl! And smiiiile!!!! Most couples don’t even see 4 MONTHS of marriage these days!Its adorable that you guys still exchange such thoughtful gifts and celebrate traditions after this long. Just too cute.

    As is your little one! She’ll laugh at that first(or rather second, I guess?) strip one day for sure.
    I’m sure you two already are. haha

    Reply

  22. Elisa says

    The breakfast photo should be entitled: “And this is how I will keep our marriage going strong for another 40 years.” YUM!

    Glad you guys had a great one!

    Reply

  24. Dianne says

    OMG your new hair cut looks awesome!!!

    My husband and I will be celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary next year and we plan on taking a BIG trip as well. I’ve been warning him since our honeymoon – so it shouldn’t be a surprise. Besides, you have it in writing for all the world to see so you HAVE to stick to you.

    Enjoy,
    Dianne

    Reply

  27. Leah says

    I didn’t know they have Sticks in Richmond! We have 2 in Charlottesville– love it! Now I know what I want for dinner. Oh and Happy Belated annivesary– ours was on the 6th. Great time of year to get married. :)

    xo

    Reply

  29. Emily says

    Happy Anniversary! Sherry, your hair looks great!

    What kind of sippy cup does Clara have at Brio? I’m trying to find one that works for my little one. She’s tried about 6 dirrerent kinds with not much success. Thanks!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      She likes the straw ones best, so it’s one of those with a straw that folds down to close and pops back open. Made by Munchkin (sold at Target and Toys R Us).

      xo,
      s

  32. Wendy says

    Congrats. You guys are wonderfully romantic and sweet! I think we went to a movie for our anniversary. Go figure. Love the new hair – great pics of all of you, as usual! Happy anniversary!

    Reply

  36. JennyB says

    I’m envious that Clara will actually sit still long enough for you guys to go out to eat! Our little guy has to be moving! Oh well, maybe someday. He’s almost 2 so I think it will be a while before we can go out again.

    The haircut is FAB! I didn’t recognize you for a split second. The style is very sophisticated & looks great on you.

    Reply

  37. Melissa says

    I love that you put the Bean in a heart shirt to celebrate your anniversary-too stinkin cute. And Sherry your hair looks awesome!!! Hot stuff!

    Reply

  41. Michelle says

    Happy Anniversary!! Yes, go to Hawaii! Hawaii is awesome. We went on our honeymoon and I did my post wedding hair chopping in the hotel salon while wearing my bathing suit and a towel around my waist. Gotta love Hawaii.

    Reply

  42. Pam says

    Love the hair! I had to take a double take at Sherry’s picture. Love the family traditions and Clara will remember these as she gets older and will mean alot to her! You guys are so blessed~ September will be our 23rd anniversary and my husband can still make my heart a-flutter!

    Reply

    • hjc says

      Congratulations Pam! We’ll be celebrating our 23rd anniversary in August (which means we’ve been together for 27 years – how can that be when I’m only 27 years old?).

  44. Nicole says

    Sherry you look just wonderful!
    A friend of mine overheard her 4 year old son telling her 1 year old “Do you know you have a hot mama?” !!!!
    I hope Clara knows she has a hot mama!

    Reply

  47. Jessica B says

    Love the new hair Sherry!! very grown up, but NOT old looking. Love the bee stationary, and what is that yummy dish pictured at Brio? and nice play on word/numbers with big 0-5 in Hawaii (lol Hawaii 5-0) :-)

    Reply

  48. Amanda @ Our Humble A{Bowe}d says

    That looks like a well rounded, fun filled anniversary! John, the french toast looks fantastic, and I prefer pancakes. That’s how good it looks. Sherry, like everyone is saying, your hair looks fantastic! I desperately need to get mine cut, but one of my requirements is needing a pony tail, too. And, can’t wait to see the laundry room!

    Reply

  49. Monica says

    Happy Anniversary John and Sherry!! Looks like you had a very fun day full of yummy food. Sherry-your hair looks AMAZING girlfriend!!! You should definitely visit Hawaii for your anniversary next year. We went to Maui for our 4th (in lieu of a honeymoon) and I want to go back this Dec for our 10th!!!

    Reply

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