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.
Debbie says
Sherry…seriously, you totally look like a model in those pictures. L-O-V-E the new haircut…very “girl next door” glam :-)
Erin says
Aloha from Hawaii! Your last paragraph made me chuckle, as I sit here on a Hawaiian vacation with my hubby (well, it’s a work trip for him, but really a vacay for both of us). We will celebrate our 5 year anniversary on the 22nd, so this is kind of an anniversary trip for us as well – and our first trip away from our little one, who is currently with her grandparents for the week in Williamsburg! I highly recommend Kona, on the big island – we’re staying at the Fairmont Orchid.
Hhcline says
If you like Morgan McKinney, you’d also like Craig English
http://www.josephcraigenglish.com/
YoungHouseLove says
Amazing!
xo,
s
Kathy says
Sherry, you hair looks fabulous.
Happy 4nniversary to a very cute and talented couple!
Briel K. says
Sherry, you look gorgeous! Love the new hair! :)
Looks like a fun anniversary was had by all! Those postcards are perty too!
(wow, that’s a lot of exclamation points)
Donna Huebsch says
Thanks for sharing your anniversary with us – congrats!
jessica says
Oh my goodness! I don’t comment very often but I just had too about that hair! You look Fabulous!! And…you guys are a wonderful example of marriage and parents! Thanks for sharing so many of your special moment and traditions!
Stacy says
Seeing firsthand such brokeness in marriage these days, it’s made my day just to read about your love and commitment to one another. My hubby and I celebrated our 11 year anniversary on June 25. We married right out of high school, destined many said, to failure. Guess they were wrong. :o)
I recently shared our love story:
http://thepreciouslittlethingsinlife.blogspot.com/2011/05/love-story-on-display.html
Congrats you two.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh my gosh- that frame arrangement is gorgeous! And the actual meaning behind the objects you framed = priceless! I love it so much!
xo,
s
Jules from a Little Bite of Life says
Thank you for featuring my french toast recipe, and I am glad you had a nice anniversary!
YoungHouseLove says
You’re very welcome- it was delicious!!
xo,
s
Carmel @ our fifth house says
Your hair looks AMAZING! Ha ha – John – you still got it! You all are just too cute!
Micole says
YHL HAWAII 2012! Noooo way! I’m a faithful follower of your blog and I instantly got excited when I read the last paragraph. I’m a military wife currently living on Oahu. I love every single thing about Hawaii. I’m always out exploring new things. I enjoy doing “off the beaten path” things around the island. Read my blog to get some fun ideas of activities to do on your vacation! Happy planning!
http://www.ogletreesatthebeach.com
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks so much! Off to check it out!
xo,
s
Polina says
Lucky girl! Your hair is a genetic jackpot so thick and lovely! We took a few family vacations in Hawaii and it was always a blast. You will love it!
Tala says
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!
How did you decide on an iPhone? I’d love to dig into your research…as my smartphone slowly dies…
Keep up the marriage celebration!!!
YoungHouseLove says
We’re just Mac people through and through (we have two MacBooks where we created this entire blog along with every post, mood board, and edited video that you see on it) so we waited for the iPhone 3G S to come out about two years ago and (we figured they’d get some glitches out by then since it wasn’t the first model or anything) and we’ve been nothing but happy with that same iPhone since! Two years and running strong!
xo,
s
Jenny says
I love your sweet ways of keeping what’s important first in your lives, or that’s the way it comes across :) I can’t wait to maybe borrow some of your cute ideas with my amazing hubster when he gets back from Afghanistan … tomorrow!!! A year apart and we are more in love than ever awe.
As far as Hawaii goes, no joke I am reading your blog sitting on my lanai on the beach on Oahu listening to the waves roll in :) My hubby is stationed here, and we absolutely love it! If you decide to come, I would love to tell you the local fares that are waaay better than the tourist traps :) Congratulations on four years together, and hope your fifth one is the best ever. Thank you so much for sharing your story with your readers!
YoungHouseLove says
I have goosebumps for you! So excited that your man is coming back from Afghanistan tomorrow! Enjoy every moment of it! Especially since you’re in Hawaii waiting on him – haha. We’ll definitely email you about local fares vs. tourist traps if we’re stuck when it comes time to plan! Thanks so much for the sweet offer!
xo,
s
Jordan says
Sooooooo,
I’m in VA, enjoying some vaca time before a conference and I walk past this restaurant…about 6 times before I just went in to see if this couple was you guys! I knew you had your anniversary and thought you were out on the own for a nice dinner w/o the bean! The girl had her hair in a pony with fun earrings and the guy had on a button down and they were your twins!!! I asked them if they ever have seen your blog, since clearly, after I realized they weren’t you but was up AT their table, I had to explain my craziness… Sad news– I didn’t get to meet you guys…good news-pretty sure you have 2 new blog readers!! :)
Jordan <3
YoungHouseLove says
Oh mannnn. I thought it was going to turn out to be us. So sad! Next time for sure. Haha.
xo,
s
Jac says
Awesome hair sherry!
And you have the most beautiful skin! Did you have makeup/foundation on this pic? or is your skin just naturally flawless? what is your face routine?!?
YoungHouseLove says
I actually have really sensitive skin so I can’t wear anything like that- but I do have some mascara on. And maybe some eyeshadow? Wait I think I forgot that part that day. Haha. I have a very “simplified” routine with the baby. But the products I love (that don’t make my skin go crazy) are Organic Wear mascara, eye shadow, and bronzer (all from Target). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Monique says
Loved this post! Happy Anniversary! Sherry you look gorgeous; new hairstyle is so chic. Put on a pair of Jackie Onassis sunglasses and watch out. :-)
RVA Born and Raised says
Thanks for sharing your anniversary with us! Since Sherry loves lists, I have one for you…The things I heart about YHL:
– Your projects are so DIY’able, and you break it down Barney style down to the smallest detail (and even cost).
– Your candid, forthcoming nature makes it fun to read. You are REAL people, not just a web page.
– Being a native Richmonder-turned-Annapolitan, I love reading about the places you visit that are my old haunts.
BTW, my uncle use to own the NY Deli back when it was really a deli. I am sure you guys would have LOVED the quirkiness of how it was originally, before they jazzed it up.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, that’s so sweet. Seriously, you guys are being way too nice to me on this post. Oh and as for the NY Deli, I’ve heard amazing things about how authentic and charming it was! Wish we could DIY a time machine…
xo,
s
RVA Born and Raised says
In reply to your reply about the DIY time machine (and you don’t have to publish this if you don’t want to), but so do I! My uncle made the BEST potato salad, and he took the recipe to his grave. What I wouldn’t do for that with a side of ruben. Delish!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw man, maybe he hid the recipe in the walls! It’s gotta be somewhere. I’m holding out hope that you’ll find it tucked in an old book of his. Sounds like a delicious memory.
xo,
s
Jessica says
Love your anniversary traditions :) And your hair, wow, it looks beautiful!! I chopped my hair when my youngest son was the same age as Clara– the more mobile he got, the better I found it was to have a shorter do that was less to fuss with and took less time to blow dry– plus it was less for the little one to pull on!
Tricia says
this is a *lovely* day-brightener post. although I am not a capable DIYer (or even any kind of DIYer) and read your blog more as wishful thinking for my home, it’s these sweet personal posts that really make this one of my favorite sites. Thanks for allowing so many folks a glimpse of your wonderful selves. At the risk of sounding like an old hippy, I think you’re putting a lot of goodness out there into the world, and my anniversary wish for you is that it comes back to you tenfold!
Lisa says
Happy Anniversary! Sherry, the new-do is fabulous!!
Thanks for sharing your day with us. :)
Brooke says
Happy Anniversary Bloggers!!! Love your reads. Hope your day was GREAT!!! Sherry-love the haircut!
Amanda says
John, that breakfast looks so much better than the one in Alaska, so kudos. And Sherry, your hair looks gorgeous! Are you wearing any make up at all beautiful lady? :)
YoungHouseLove says
I had some mascara on! Organic Wear by Target. Love that stuff. Sometimes I don’t have time to get much on (thanks Clara! – haha).
xo,
s
SarahC says
Love the hair, Sherry! :)
Erin @ His and Hers says
Happy 4nniversary! I want all 3 of the meals you had. And I like your hair Sherry; it looks so grown up! :)
Jenny says
Looks like you guys had a great anniversary, and Sherry, I love your new hair! You look great!
Lauren says
Happy Anniversary for last week!! Yay for celebrating with such a super great day! I’ve read your stories for a while now but haven’t commented before, so to keep myself from only lurking, here I am :) And also, amazing new look Sherry!!
Angela says
Sherry I love your hair! You look so hot!
Jane says
I think I have a crush on both of you as a couple! Is that weird?!
YoungHouseLove says
Nope, we’re down. Haha. We have a joint crush on you right back.
xo,
s
Jess says
I love your hair Sherry! I’ve been trying to get the courage up to cut mine for ages. I grew it out for our wedding this June, but I have an appointment Friday. Maybe you’ll inspire me to go short!
Tracy @ Cotton Pickin Cute says
Congratulations Sherry and John! John you’re such a sweet and thoughtful husband. Sherry, girl I haven’t seen a hair cut that I really wanted in years and you’ve got it going on!!! I almost didn’t even recognize you. I’ve always thought your were just the cutest thing but never would have thought you could have improved on that. I’m totally loving the haircut but of course you have those gorgeous big eyes and pretty lips. Such a classic face. Love the picks of you, John and the Bean.
Here’s to a lifetime of happiness guys. Hugs…Tracy :)
Brendy says
Love, Love, Love the hair. And what a sweet way to spend your anniversay. I’d take thoughtful over expensive any day!
annabelvita says
Happy anniversary and happy haircut! It looks amazing. I love the cheesy photo!
I’m so happy you did a top ten list – the first letter I sent my boyfriend was a top ten list of things about him and we continued the tradition with our “top ten things about our holiday” postcards that I’ve mentioned before. Lists = love.
YoungHouseLove says
I don’t like that idea, I LOVE it!!! So much fun. Might have to steal it. Haha.
xo,
s
alicia says
I thought of you two and your love of bees when I saw this cute little coin purse on etsy :)
http://www.etsy.com/listing/76797429/bumble-bees-in-a-honey-comb-hand?ref=fp_treasury_3&show_panel=true
YoungHouseLove says
Seriously. That is adorable.
xo,
s
Erica M says
Especially gorgeous is the first haircut photo, where Sherry is looking off to the site with the camera in hand. What a great picture! That deserves a home in the family gallery!
Amanda says
Hot mama!! Love the new do Sherry…if only I was that brave to chop mine off!
Marisa says
Okay so I am not going to lie I totally thought that was a picture of a model at first and I was trying to figure out why you put that in your post. Then I realized it was Sherry and I was like “Hello Stunning.” Seriously you look amazing! Love the new look and Happy Anniversary!
Courtney says
Your complexion is flawless!
lizkayl says
Happy ‘Versary!
And very sultry/sexy photos with the new hair cut. John’s a lucky man. But I’m sure he already knew that.
Rachel @ My Naturally Frugal Family says
Burger looks like he might bite someone…guessing he would prefer to be photographed on Karl.
What a great way to spend your anniversary and special that now Clara too can participate :)
Just think once you’ve been married 50 years how wonderful it will be to look back at all of these memories you’ve made.
Tessa says
More wedding-bee-love, so close to your anniversary!
http://www.stylemepretty.com/2011/07/08/buying-guide-tennessee-photo-shoot-by-brooke-boling/
YoungHouseLove says
Obsessed with everything!
xo,
s
Lauren says
Sherry, the pictures you took of yourself are just lovely. I love the new look! Happy Anniversary!
Cristina says
Sherry looks so adorable! Love the haircut!
Thanks for sharing those recipes! I saved them for later. That French Toast looks SO YUMMY!
SarahA says
Yowza! Sherry is one hott Momma! Love the new do!
Hyeson says
Hope you keep your plans to go to Hawaii for your 5th! We honeymooned on Oahu and Maui back in 2006 and vowed to go back to see the other islands.
Your post made me think of last year when my husband’s work junket was supposed to be in Hawaii. The smallest office (RICHMOND!) complained Hawaii was too far to fly, so we went to Napa instead. So, don’t be like that!
Sierra says
Aww what a lovely day! Love Sherry’s hair, the postcards, your adorable Bean and when I clicked to read about Alaska I now want to go! And NOT by cruise. Such an adventureous inspiration!
Happy 4th you lovers! :)
Farah says
Congratulations on your 4nniversary.
Sherry your hair cut is gorgeous but, as always, Clara steals the show.
I adore your blog, it even gets my very non-DIY husband inspired.
Thanx & Congratulations.
Handy Man, Crafty Woman says
who knew hair would be such a hot topic on a DIY blog, lol? it looks grrrrreat! I recently got a cut; told her to cut it so that it brushed my shoulders. She cut it so it brushed my shoulders while WET, so when it dry, it shrunk up even more, eeek!! result: one of my shortest cuts ever! it’ll grow back, I just can’t pull of “short” that well.
Jessica says
That picture of Burger is entirely too funny. I love photos of discontented animals!
angelia says
Do I even need to add to the 500+ comments of “I love your hair”?! Yup! Love your hair! You’ve inspired me to go short…. I’m making my hair appointment today!
Oh and Happy Anniversary too!