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.
Maria says
Happy anniversary. :)
Sherry – you are gorgeous, lady!
Erin says
I’ve been reading your blog for over a year, and never commented before, but the cuteness is overwhelming me! You guys are so sweet with each other! It’s a joy to read your blog!
kelley says
OMG! Sherry your haircut is beyond gorgeous!!! Holy cow! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! <3
Jacks says
Happy Anniversary!
Sherry, you look like a model in that first picture!!!!
Kara says
Love the hair! And Hawaii sounds like a great plan. I’d love to go back someday. Are you thinking you’ll go with or without the bean?
YoungHouseLove says
Planning to go with the bean, but without the Burgs (since he’d probably get held in quarantine anyways).
-John
emily @ the happy home says
“non-contiguous partner in crime” just made me laugh out loud.
Jessica says
SHERRY!!! OMG! I always thought you were cute and pretty, but whoa, you are stunning! And no makeup even?! jealous! John is so lucky.. and so are you.. you are both lucky, such a great couple :-)
Randa L says
Hawaii is amazing!! Totally worth the long plane ride for us east coasters. And if you know someone on the west coast, you could always stop over and visit them… break up the trip that way :)
Cameron says
Hair is ridiculously fabulous! You look gorgeous- happy anniversary!
Gina says
Love your new do!!!!!! Have to ask what you use on your hair?! I know it’s genetics to a certain extent but it always looks so healthy!!
YoungHouseLove says
Nothing! Haha. I’m a no product gal. Just can’t figure that stuff out.
xo,
s
Kelsey says
That hair cut looks so great on you! And I love the notecards you bought.
Diana says
What a fun day! And I love the hair cut. You look so beautiful!
Bobbie Brown says
Ohhhh! I looooove your hair Sherry!
Donna says
I agree with everyone else – the haircut looks great! Happy anniversary, guys!
I can’t believe no one else has asked this – any chance we could see what Burger wrote in John’s card? (I’m quite partial to chihuahua thoughts, as I’ve had 3 of them throughout my lifetime.)
YoungHouseLove says
He says cute things and misspells everything (ex: you give me bons, you pett me lots, you let me sleep on your nek).
xo,
s
renee says
The new hair is super hot! Love it. Happy Anniversary, you 3 (4)! Today is our 10th. Love is grand!
renee says
Yes, bring Burger’s Blog back for a short appearance!
YoungHouseLove says
He certainly worked it for that camera in that group shot. Haha.
xo,
s
Lindsey says
What a fun filled day!! Happy Anniversary! Love the haircut!! We went to Maui two years ago and it was amazing!!! It is worth the trip!!!
smock. says
Wishing a very happy anniversary to you both! John, we were just thrilled to see that you gave Sherry some of our fun new stationery as an anniversary gift – we hope she loves it!
xoxo,
smock.
YoungHouseLove says
I do! So sweet. You know I have a soft spot for bees!
xo,
s
Andrea says
Wondering if you guys were missing your old house, the site of the wedding- feeling sad and nostalgic at all? Have you visited the old house, drove by on purpose or on accident?
YoungHouseLove says
Nah, I think the new one is a nice distraction. Haha. I mean we definitely have amazing memories of the old house and we miss things like sitting in that cozy little den or out in the sunroom- but we love this house too so it keeps us busy and excited and distracted. Haha. We don’t really drive by the old one just because it feels like we’re being creepy and spying on the new folks. But we did hear they put up a big privacy fence in the back but other than that it looks the same. Haha.
xo,
s
mary says
That cut looks so great on you. Gotta change up the house and gotta change up the hair. You are a hotty!
Sarah says
May I suggest Maui in February/early March. Stay near Lahaina and you will be able to sit on the beach and watch the whales jump all the time! During this time, the whales come and have their babies, teach them how to jump, etc. My family and I took a boat ride out to see the whales up close and personal and were able to witness 14 male humpback whales chasing after 1 female. They were trying to win her affection. Literally, they were fighting for her and we were so close you could see them bleeding because they would land on top of each other trying to beat out their competition. Sounds crazy but it was one of the coolest things I have ever done! Also, Maui is the perfect place for couples…so beautiful!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks so much for the suggestion! Sounds amazing!
xo,
s
Erin @ AroundTheFarmhouseTable says
Love the hair!!!
Vanessa says
Your hair looks fabulous! Like John says, it’s really sexy – like a vamp!
Dawn Camp says
Y’all are so cute. Happy anniversary! (love the hair)
Krista Haws says
Happy anniversary you two!!! That is super exciting and Sherry, your hair looks SOOO good! I’m a fan of long hair but every now and again, a change is great and your hair REALLY looks great that way! :)
BJ says
The hair Rocks! We need to change it up occasionally to keep the spark going! I was wondering about your kitchen floor, is it ceramic or laminate and what type? Having a difficult time choosing a new product for our kitchen floor that will transition well w/adjoining hardwood in the entry and dining room. We painted our kitchen a pear/kiwi color and it is so fresh and cheery. Everyone loves the varsitility…I rotate accessories w/ pops of aqua and black for accent colors.
YoungHouseLove says
It’s icky vinyl tile but we can’t wait to someday remove it and about an inch of plywood under it to reveal hardwood floors- that’s right we think they’re buried under there! As for something to transition well with adjoining hardwood, I always have loved chic slate floors (especially the super large 16″ tiles or the rectangular tiles that look nice and modern, like planks of wood). Good luck!
xo,
s
rivka says
One of the things I love about you, Mrs., is that you have no idea how stunningly beautiful you are! You just go about your day- tra la la- not realizing you are probably leaving everyone stopping in their tracks at the lovely sight of you! …and jeez…that “unknowingness” just adds to your charm.
Thank you so much for your blog! I hate home renovation but LOVE living vicariously through you. It’s been so much fun “meeting” you guys. I enjoy your bright, funny writing, your wonderful design and blogging sense and the fact your child is always lit up like a 1,000 watt light bulb.
So yeah…. then you had to go get that hair cut and turn from gorgeous neighborhood beauty to devastating supermodel!
SW says
Hawaii is amazing!! I have been to most of the islands and my FAVORITE is Kauai!!! So beautiful and not as commercialized as the others but no matter where you go Hawaii is beautiful!! Congrats!
heyruthie says
i loved a bajillion things about this post, including sherry’s new hair. hot stuff, girl.
i also noticed that your new “grellow” color scheme is actually a combination of your wedding flower colors! I was admiring the anniversary boquet, when I realized that it was “grellow” too! ya’ll are consistent!
YoungHouseLove says
No way- it’s true!!!!
xo,
s
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com says
Happy Anniversary! Love love love the photo-ops with the whole family :) And Sherry’s do, amazing!!
Hollie @ I'm Busy Procrastinating says
So many things to comment about. (1) The new cut is very sassy. (2) The card Sherry made is so cute. Dying to know what was on the parts we couldn’t see in the one photo. And love the comment about “You drive my ass around.” (3) It’s neat that you have so many traditions already as a young couple/family. (4) I’m salivating over the French toast.
Hollie @ I'm Busy Procrastinating says
I would read through the other comments to see if someone else mentioned this, but since there are 507 (!) of them, I think I better not. Anyway, if you do go to Hawaii next summer, and if you were big fans of the show “Lost,” then you must take the Hawaiian Escapades “Lost Tour” if you go to Oahu. It’s not only a great way to see much of the island in one day (I’d do it early on because you may already have some of those places on your list to visit but this would be a different perspective), but you get to see specific locations where they filmed specific scenes. The guide even shows you stills from the show to jog your memory.
Michelle says
I love love love the new haircut! Hotness!
Jenn T. says
Holy hotness Sherry! You’re hair looks smokin, keep it! :)
cindy says
Great haircut!!! Dont you feel like a different person when you go to the salon :)
My hubby thinks I am a weirdo taking food shots…at least I am not alone.
Michelle says
Love the haircut!
Brandan WH says
Seriously cute hair! You should send that picture to your hair stylist as it deserves to be in their books!
As for Hawaii, big thumbs up. I ran my first marathon there in Honolulu (great experience even if it was hilly) and got engaged in Maui a little over a year later (gotta love that). So, to say Hawaii holds a soft spot in my heart would be an understatement. Our 5 year is next year as well, so maybe. I’m excited to introduce my 20 month old to the island AND the whales!
K says
Sherry: I didn’t even recognize you! I thought that the photo was an inspiration/take-this-pic-of-a-model-to-the-hairdresser shot!!! You are one smokin hot mama!
Trude says
What a perfect way to spend the day! And I’m loving the new hair! RAWR! :)
Angie says
I LOVE the new do!!! And I love the Red Salon…did you see Meredith, she is awesome as are all the gals there:) And what a sweet card you made for your hubby!!! Thanks for sharing all your creative ideas..we love you guys!
YoungHouseLove says
I was with Autumn – love all those girls!
xo,
s
Chelsea says
Hi,
I LOVE your blog…sooo funny and you guys have great ideas.
Happy 4th anniversary. I think it is cute that you call your little girl bean, since we call our 19 month old bean too! :)
Shari M. says
First off, happy 4th Anniversary!!! Secondly, Sherry you look amazing with a capital A with your new hair cut!!! I love it. It looks like you had it lightened a bit too? Does this mean that we will get to see more of you with your hair down now? I hope so, cuz you look beautiful.
YoungHouseLove says
Isn’t it funny that it looks lighter? I don’t dye my hair so it just might be the lighting. I’m too cheap to maintain highlights. Haha. But I definitely wear my hair down a lot more!
xo
Meg says
Holy Cow – LOVE your haircut!!!
Jamie says
I’m a huge fan of the blog and you both have been such a great inspiration for me as a new blogger! I mentioned you guys in my latest post (http://mysweetnest.wordpress.com) as I love the photobooth tradition above.
Happy Anniversary :)
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks for the link love!
xo,
s
JoDi says
Wow, I am so behind on posts from being away! Happy belated 4th. What a perfect day!
Sherry, your hair is awesome! Totally love it! I’ve always thought you are very pretty, but darn, with that hair, totally hot! I haven’t read the comments, but I’m sure men all over the Internetz are swooning!
Jeannine @ Small & Chic says
Congratulations!
And wahoowah…Sticks Kabob Shop originated over here in Cville. The people behind the place are super good folks who give a lot back to the community. :)
Gilit says
You look freakin’ gorgeous! And as for your anniversary, tailored to the two of you without spending a fortune, sounds like the perfect day to me!
Jess says
You guys are adorable. I’m vErY new to your blog and you’re both so rad that I wish my husband and I could be friends with you in “real life.” :)
Happy (belated… sorry) 4th Anniversary!
p.s. S, the hair is fantabulous.
Jeannee says
Happy Anniversary, you two! You have the marriage and the life I always dreamed of! <3
Kari says
The new cut looks beautiful Sherry! It really compliments your features.
I’ve always admired your perfect ponytail as well. So simple, yet so chic and put together. Wish I would have asked before you cut it, but is there anyway you could put together a post about your “perfect ponytail”? How to create the poof, and what products you use to keep it so nicely in place?
Us longer haired always-on-the-run gals would be forever grateful!
YoungHouseLove says
Man you’re sweet. My ponytail secret was long bangs which I never wore down (I have a crazy cowlick) but then pinned up with a small brown bobby pin on the crown of my head for that little smidge of volume. No product, no teasing, just a pin. Haha. Just slick it all in a pony, the bangs flop out so you pin them, done.
xo,
s