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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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…
… 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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
joy says
Happy Anniversary to you both! Wishing you many more happy years together.
P.S. I think your new ‘do is just adorbs, Sherry:)
Alyssa says
What a sweet anniversary! You two sure come up with some great ideas:) and can I ask where the other one is while you are ordering/making gifts for each other? I picture you guys together all. the. time!! My hubby and I can’t even order something without having to tell the other, don’t look at the checking account for a few days….amazing hair SP!! looks great!!!
YoungHouseLove says
One of us is usually in the office and the other one is with Clara (outside, having lunch in the kitchen, in her nursery, etc) so we can be sneaky when we need to be). When it comes to running out for things, John does it when he’s on a Home Depot run and I go out with a friend and grab something. We’re practically super sleuths.
xo,
s
Monika says
Happy Anniversary! A few things (in list format):
– I love your new family pic. Do you have them framed anywhere and on display? That could be a fun project like your gallery wall…
– I really like the art cards you picked.
– Good choice on a present to one another, I’d kill for a new laundry room. (also, stationary=cute!)
– Sherry is a sexy beast! rawwwwwwwwwwwr! :)
– I’m cheering you on for Hawaii! One thing to consider (even though your trip is a long ways away) is that Hawaii is a rabies free state and they have quarantine rules if you plan to travel with Burger.
YoungHouseLove says
Yeah sadly Burger couldn’t come because we’d never want to quarantine him. But he’d stay with his Grammy (who lovingly calls him her Granddog)! As for our cheesy anniversary pics, they’re all framed on our dresser, but as we get more we’ll probably have to get them upon the wall somewhere!
xo,
s
Val says
It’s a 120 day quarantine while they wait for full-panel blood test results. BUT you can do the blood tests 120 days ahead of time, have the lab send the results to the state officials, and be allowed in on time served. Just something to look into, since it’s so far away.
YoungHouseLove says
Interesting! We’ll have to look into it!
xo,
s
Ali Moore says
The hair looks great! Congrats on four years. :)
Samantha says
Sherry you are one hot mama! Love the post guys. You are the sweetest couple. :)
MissCaron says
GREAT hair! Happy anniversary to you both!
Kim says
The hair looks fantastic! Did you by any chance donate to Locks of Love?
http://www.locksoflove.org/
YoungHouseLove says
Sadly couldn’t. It wasn’t long enough (they want 8″ and I had around 6″). Love that cause though!
xo,
s
Kim says
Just saw answer above. Maybe next time ;)
Melanie says
Very sweet gifts. Thank you for sharing the last 4 years with us. I still want a backyard wedding with lots of lemons and greenery because of your special day.
The anniversary card with the lists is so cute, too. Hey, you’ve made a career out of knocking items off of lists for the world to see, so it’s quite appropriate.
Lastly, the new haircut looks fantastic. I normally don’t comment, but I LOVE this haircut.
Jessica says
Wow, that french toast looks A.MA.ZING….as does your hair, $her-dogg…. I’m dying to cut mine. I’ve been drooling over Jennifer Aniston on the cover of Marie Claire this month….she’s MY girl crush…and I am currently coveting her new ‘do. Happy Anny guys! Glad it was great! :-)
Liz says
We got married only a few weeks after you all, and we went to Hawaii for our honeymoon! It was unbelievably fantastic! You’ve planted the seed for us to do an Alaska trip for our 5 year next year! Though, living in Oregon, neither trip is quite the haul that it is for you.
Kyle Layne says
Sherry, I love the new style. Every so often you gotta just chop and refresh. I just did so myself, mainly because I too was sick of only wearing a ponytail.
Lauren Johnson says
You guys are so darn cute! I love you guys…and I don’t really know you! Ha ha! Happy 4nniversary!
Mallory @ R. Simple Life says
Woo woo, hot mama. Love the hair Sherry!
LauraC says
This is just about the perfect post. So. Fun. To. Read! Of course your home posts are great too, but this one I could just feel the fun and the sunshine and the happiness! Way to start planning for the big oh-five next year. We’re looking at seven in two months, and we already started talking about doing something big in three years for our tenth!!!! Sherry, your hair looks great btw! Happy Tuesday, Laura
Kelly says
Love your new hair Sherry! You look like a movie star! :)
Meghan says
Sherry – Wowza! Your new do is georgous.
r8chel says
Ack! There are too many wonderful things to comment on in this post!!
That first picture of Sherry sans ponytail doesn’t even look like her. I honestly thought at first that it was some kind of inspiration photo. Your new ‘do looks great, Sherry!
Erin C. says
Happy anniversary!
And regarding Sherry: “Daaaaaaaamn!” (in my ice cube/chris tucker “Friday” voice) :)
Erika says
Love the photos, love the hair – and can’t wait to see the laundry room!
cassie {hi sugarplum!} says
I thought the first pic was a stock photo John posted to illustrate ‘cutting off hair’ But it’s you!!!! Fabulous, gorgeous, that is the perfect hair length for you, YOU!
And happy anniversary!
Becca says
Few comments:
First: “You edit videos like a ninja” had me laughing out loud in my cubicle :) Thanks
Second: Freaking love the hair!
Third: I used to live in Hawaii and you should totally go! After living there for a few years, I could never do it again, but definitely like keeping it as a vacation spot :)
Meghan says
I rarely post, but was going to today and say how cute that Clara was wearing her heart outfit to commemorate the anniversary. Then… I got to the bottom and saw Sherry’s hair! Wowza, it looks fantastic!!!
Samm Spangler says
Sherry,
You look STUNNING!!! I love the hair cut! I have mine half way down my back but can’t seem to muster the courage to cut it… were you nervous?
P.S- LOVE hearing about your anniversary. I get married in October and hope my hubby and I will be as happy as you and John!
YoungHouseLove says
Nah, I like “rebooting” every few years with a big cut. And shoulder length isn’t as scary as chin length. Haha.
xo,
s
Audrey C. says
Bow chicka wow wow! The new hairdo looks super cute!
Cari says
If you are planning to go to HAwaii or anywhere for that matter, and especially if you are taking the bean, do so before she turns 2 because she’ll fly for free! We took major advantage of that!
YoungHouseLove says
Great tip!!
xo,
s
Lauren says
That haircut is freakin ridiculous (in a good way of course.) Happy Belated Anniversary!!
Dana says
Love the hair…you look so cute!
Jenn the Pen says
Love the new ‘do! It’s adorable. Going to Hawaii 5-0 on the big 0-5 anni! Nice plan! ;)
Deanna says
Wow! Hot mama =) !!!!!!!
Emily says
You two are the cutest couple imaginable. The extremely sweet presents and tradition fill the day. Sherry, you definitely tempt me to get a haircut. So cute!
Nikki T says
Love the new ‘do!
And, Hawaii for your 5th Anniversary is a grand idea!! I’d totally recommend it!
We got married in Maui in 2007 and are headed back there in Feb 2012 to celebrate 5 wonderful years :)
Teresa (Our Corner House) says
Such a sweet day. Your traditions are great (and so is the hair). :) Happy anniversary.
-Teresa
Alexis of NorthOnHarper says
It looks like the perfect anniversary… I love the photo progression! And the haircut is kind of perfect- esp with the self portraits!
Gavin S. says
Bahahahahaha! I love the face Burger is making in the stacked anniversary photo. What a goober!
seansmom says
From the time our son was two years old until he turned 14 and was too embarrassed to be seen anywhere with us (:>)) we always went to the same restaraunt to celebrate our anniversary. (We went there for our first one too, but son stayed home with Grandma that time). Its fun to have family traditions!!!
I did watch Design Star last night…can’t decide yet who I’m going to cheer for yet..
Charlotte | Living Well on the Cheap says
Sherry, you look so pretty!
I about died over both the stuffed french toast and the risotto. They both look absolutely de-lish. Happy anniversary!
Cindy @ The Flipping Couple says
Happy Anniversary!! We’re a fellow 7/7/07 couple, and we’re actually planning a five-year anniversary trip to Alaska. Just 12 more months to save our pennies! We have the same philosophy, though – if we keep talking about it we’ve got to make it happen!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha too funny! You’ll LOVE it!
xo,
s
Mackenzie says
You guys are just the best. So cute and so fun and…just the best! Thanks for the relationship inspiration :)
Maggie says
Sherry, the hair is HAWT! Looks awesome :)
Kelly says
Hawaii is a big Y-E-S. We spent our honeymoon on Maui and Kauai and Lost got it right the island is calling us back! Bring your appetites and check out places like Mala Ocean Tavern for some Edamame Pure, The Gazebo for the breakfast as good as what you had in Alaska and Flat Bread Pizza Company for the most delicious pizza all made from local products. Also check out Tedeschi Vineyards for pineapple wine & champaine (to die for)…. Now that is just a smidge of what we found on Maui, Kauai is a whole nother story. Enjoy planning!!!
heatherly says
I usually don’t bother to come all the way over here (I usually just use Google Reader), but I had to come and say the hair is gorgeous! :)
Jen @ The Decor Scene says
Holy hotness with that hair cut Sherry. Love it! I love how you guys always celebrate things and keep it a tradition. Is is too late to start a tradition if I’m going on my 5th anniversary this year? :) Thanks for sharing parts of your day with us. You guys are soooo cute together. And John, great job with those flowers….gorgeous!!!
Jen @ The Decor Scene says
And definitely go to Hawaii. We went on our honeymoon, so glad we went there. We went to Maui & Kauai. GORGEOUS!!! Make sure your camera memory card is empty for that trip. I hope to go back one day. Maybe for our 10th anniversary we can. ;)
YoungHouseLove says
It’s never too late!
xo,
s
Dani says
Congratulations to you both! And Sherry, that cut is hawt!
jess says
I LOVE THE NEW HAIR!!! I just cut mine too Saturday. It feels liberating~ LOOKS AMAZING!
Darcy says
Happy Anniversary you guys!!! Sherry — LOVE the new haircut!! I’ve been thinking of doing a big haircut for a while, and I’ve been scared to go that short, but seeing you has made me want to do it!! Off to make an appointment right now!! LOL!!
Also– those stacking head pictures are so cute and funny!! Especially the one with Burger!! It cracked me up at work!! :)
Hannah Kuhl says
Awww… I love this post. Ya’ll are so inspiring. So congratulations and your hair looks fabulous!!!
Christie says
Happy Anniversary!
Sherry- Your hair looks FAB! Love it. :-)
Jennifer says
What a great anniversary!! Love the new hair, it looks really great on you!!
Liz says
Love the hair!! And when you pick a Hawaiian island, let me know. We’ve gone there the last three years for our anniversary and just spent our 5th in Maui in May. Also been to Oahu and Kauai. It’s AH-MAZING.
steph says
Sherry, you look beautiful! Congratulations to you all!