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.
justy says
Happy Anniversary- you guys are adorable! John, love the checked shirt, Sherry, beautiful do!
Rebecca @ the lil house that could says
I’m slacking on my comments, I’ve missed you guys :)
First of all, I naturally read the right side of the card first and saw “you change my diapers”. I had to go back and read the heading and see that thankfully, that side was indeed Clara’s.
Second, I love the haircut! I’ve had long hair for much of my life and this year chopped it off in a graduated longer-in-the-front type thing. I love it, but I made the mistake of trimming it at the end of May, so short I can’t get it in a ponytail! Awful for a ponytail addict and awful for summer :(
Finally, GO TO HAWAII. We went to Maui on our honeymoon and rented a beautiful house for a portion of it. It was actually cheaper than getting a hotel. Highlight of my life, minus the marriage of course ;)
Haley says
Love the hair! Somebody mentioned a girl crush but I have to say I have a crush on your whole family! Y’all are adorable!
If you go to Hawaii check out Kauai. Kauai is one of the smaller, less touristy Islands. Out of the three Islands I have been to Kauai is my favorite.
My all time favorite vacation was to Costa Rica, so if you ever get the chance I would highly recommend it. Maybe the 10th anniversary?
YoungHouseLove says
Sounds like a plan! Haha.
xo,
s
Liz loves Cam says
Hey mama! That is one sassy haircut! I’m so jealous of your hair, it’s always so sleek and frizz-free yet volumous. You look wonderful :)
Witty Wife says
Holy va-va-voom! Sherry’s new hair looks spectacular!!
I’ve got the long pony thing going, too…. I turn 30 next week and I’m afraid if I chop my hair off, it means I’ve ‘stopped trying.’
But as evidenced by Sherry’s new haircut, that is NOT the case… I might just have to print a picture and bring it to my stylist….
LARY says
Super cute! Both the post and Sherry’s hair :)
Jenny says
Love, love, love the hair, Sherry! It look fantastic. Also, did you notice that Clara’s sippy cup looks HUGE in that picture? Made me chuckle. Happy anniversary, you guys. :)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, it does look giant in that pic!
xo,
s
Kit says
Wowsers mama! You look HAWT! :)
Pamela says
Happy 4nniversary!
I love the way you all celebrate! And I appreciate you sharing the deets with us!
Man, do you all know how to eat well on your special day! All of the food looked AMAZING! As does Sherry’s shorter ‘do. Very hot photos!
Tomorrow is my birthday and I am inspired to enjoy some really yummy meals…and some shorter hair!
YoungHouseLove says
Happy birthday (tomorrow)!!!!
xo,
s
Pamela says
Thanks for the Birthday shout-out! Having a yummy one so far!
YoungHouseLove says
So glad!
xo,
s
Kate says
Sherry, you are the cutest! Also the cutest: John referring to Sherry as “my lady.” Awww!
Cat@BudgetBlonde says
Glad yall had so much fun! If you do go on vacay to Hawaii, wouldn’t it be nice to not have to approve comments etc the whole time? Seriously, I think we can all survive a week without you… Well maybe… Give us a year to work up to it, maybe? ;)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, we don’t like to reveal when we’re traveling (for safety and all that when it comes to the house) so therein lies the problem. Haha.
xo,
s
Cori says
Happy Anniversary! Our wedding anniversary is 7/11…we celebrated this weekend with 2 Groupons (couples massage, Fondue restaurant for dinner) and 1 Living Social Deal (Tickets to The Taste Of Dallas Festival)…Loved that you guys were Grouponing during your anniversary too =)
Charlotte says
Happy Anniversary! My 5 year is this October and we’re trying to get something big planned. Sherry’s hair looks awesome…and while I do see where the Angelina comparisons may come from, I think she’s more of a dead ringer for Mila Kunis…either way John’s a lucky guy…and Sherry’s pretty lucky too (didn’t want to leave anyone out :)
Kate says
Random question, but just wondering if you guys ever get a baby-sitter and go out without the bean? When I was little my parents always went out without us kids on their anniversary, which I know was a nice treat for them. No judgment either way, just pure wondering… :)
YoungHouseLove says
We just saw our first movie since having her thanks to Grammy! Now that John’s parents live in Richmond (and Clara isnt breastfeeding 10 times a day) we do get to sneak out occasionally!
xo,
s
dana828 says
LOVE LOVE LOVE the hair!!
And Happy Anniversary!
Aimee says
Your new hair is GORGEOUS! Way better than the pony tail :) And, love Brio. What a great place to celebrate!
Cindy says
Oh my GOSH! Sherry!! I always thought you were a super cute girl, but with your new hair?!?! Hot hot hot stuff! Gorgeous! I am bah-lown away. Wow.
Our five year anniversary will be about three weeks after yours next year (married 08/01/07) and we’ve fantasized about going to Hawaii too. How funny would that be?
Did I mention that you are smokin’ hot?! Done now. xo
Sophie says
Sherry, you are soooooooooooo b-e-a-utiful!!! Such a lovely post.
Lana says
Sherry you look so gorgeous!!! (as does the rest of the fam of course). Congratulations!!!!
Karen F says
cute haircut! I love the yearly family picture idea, too!
Liddia says
Yep, that is the best breakfast ever! I lived in AK for a while and loved having breakfast at Snow City Cafe! So good! I want to visit family up there just so we can eat breakfast there and have pizza at Moose’s Tooth! (is that wrong of me??)
Rachel says
awww love the anniversary post! Love the hair!! You look gorgeous Sherry!
Tam says
O.M.Goodness–you look soo Sherrylicious!! u got it girl!!
xo
Julie says
Another YES vote for Hawaii! I’ve been a few times, living in LA it’s pretty easy to find off peak flights for a few hundred bucks round trip. We’re not really resort people, but we’ve had a blast renting a car and VRBO-ing it around Oahu and the Big Island, staying at each place for a few days and then moving on. We found a bunch of cute, off the beaten path VRBO rentals for as low as $50 a night. I think you’d love it. And – if you’re stopping over in LA, maybe our house will be ready for a house crash by then! It would pretty much make my life :-)
I think it’s a very dog friendly place, but if you’re looking to bring the pooch I seem to remember that there are special rules with flying your dog to Hawaii so check it out ahead of time (not that I don’t think you would have this on your list)!
YoungHouseLove says
Yeah sadly they quarantine dogs so we couldn’t bring Burger. He’d stay home with Grammy!
xo,
s
Laura says
happy anniversary to you both! i actually just found out about the NY deli photobooth about a month ago and have been dying to go back…it’s so much fun! hope that it fixes itself soon though!
Greg says
Hawaii is UNBELIEVABLY awesome! My bride and I were fortunate enough to go not once, but twice in 2 years staying with family (love my Marine bro-in-law!) We stayed on Oahu both times and never ran out of places to explore, but we did consider hopping. The one bit of advice I will suggest that we got right the second time around, whatever isle you choose, use Priceline and bid daily till you get the convertible for the price you want. Best. Decision. Ever!
liz @ btb says
CUUUUUUTE!!!!!!! And I can’t wait for Hawaii! Maybe I’ll try that “if I say it out loud enough times, it will happen’ thought process.
I wanna go to Hawaii!! I wanna go to Hawaii!! I wanna go to Hawaii!!
Anne W says
Happy Anniversary guys! Sherry, you look beautiful with your new ‘do!
Alisa says
Strawberry hearts? Shut the front door, John. Y’all are too stinkin cute.
I didn’t recognize Sherry in those last photos either- I only realized it was you because of your perfect eyebrows! I have major eyebrow envy (however creepy that may sound). So glad you guys had such a wonderful anniversary!
Sarah beth says
I too am a pony tail queen!! I am haveing major thoughts about cutting it but i think i’ll wait for now. looks great!
Alice says
Looks like you guys celebrated your anniversary just perfectly – with the ones you love! Sherry, your haircut is seriously amazing; change is fun :)
Patti says
Now I see Mila Kunis!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, I only get that from one person- but she’s a good friend and sees me all the time!
xo,
s
Xanthe says
I totally agree, especially in action! (in video clips of you both rather than stationary photos). Your haircut is lovely.
My hubby and i celebrated our 4th anniversay the day before you. Would have got married on the 7th, but we got together on the 6th so thought we’d just keep the one anniversary date!
It was our first anniversary with our daughter, born 30/12/10 7lb10, so we went back to where we got married to take photos in the same place but with a plus one!
Ashley in NC says
This is such a sweet post. Sounds like a wonderful anniversary! Sherry, you look like a model!
Karla @ {TheClassyWoman} says
Thanks for sharing your Anniversary details with us. Your hair looks awesome Sherry!! :)
Ivy says
What a beautiful day. Sherry, you look GORGEOUS with your new haircut. Love it.
Aimee in Anchorage says
Well I knew you guys were alright but now that I know we have the same favorite breakfast at Snow City cafe, well, that’s even better! Now I want to try making it myself… Or not, I’m only about 2 miles via coastal trail from there. :-)
Barb says
You probably have your own ideas about what you want to do, but if you’re looking for a cozy cottage rental that is steps (literally less than TEN STEPS) from a quiet beach, I know of one on the north shore of Oahu. We stayed there last November (5th anniversary too) and it was fantastic.
P.S. Sherry I LOVE your new hairstyle.
Laurie says
Kauai is the best…..beautiful, slower pace, less expensive….NaPali coastline….my favorite Hawaiian island.
Emily says
Sounds like a wonderful anniversary! There’s nothing better than just spending a day together. My husband and I are trying to do more days out together to celebrate events like birthdays and the anniversary instead of getting eachother gifts.
On a side note, I’ve just been catching up on your blog since having our first child (a little girl named Audrey) and realized that our little one was born on Clara’s birthday!! May 14 is such a wonderful day for a birthday! :)
YoungHouseLove says
Yay for Audrey the b-day twin!
xo,
s
Alisa D. says
Hair looks great! So pretty!
Sarah says
4www – cute post!! ;)
Sherry, that first pic of you is out of this world gorgeous!
KimT says
About the hair–wow! So great.
Brittany says
Bow chicka wow wow. Love the new hair!
We are headed to Hawaii in 11 days (not that I have a countdown or anything..errr..) This will be my third summer to go. My boyfriend’s family lived in Hong Kong for a few years, so it really was the closest to a “halfway” point for all of the siblings and parents to go on summer vacay together (parents were in HK, kids were scattered around the US). It’s the highlight of my year, for sure!
KimT says
Sherry’s new do is so great!
Jessica M says
Such a fun anniversary! And to echo what’s already been said, your hair looks fantastic Sherry!
DanielleR says
Ok 3 things … First = YUMMMM! All the food made me totally want to cook something amazing tonight. Second = Clara cries? lol I thought that kid was happiness personified! And Third = New hair looks awesome Sherry :)
KT @ KT's Refinishing School says
I’m sure you guys thought of this because you are all punny (that’s funny with puns) and clever but Hawaii is the big 5-0 and you guys will be going on your trip for the big 0-5 :)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, love it.
xo,
s
Sheryl J says
You are a hot MILF{riend} ;)
Andrea in KS says
I just love reading your blog! You guys are such a great couple and little Clara is one lucky little girl. You always bring a smile to my face. Thanks for making my afternoon.
Erin says
LOVE Sherry’s new haircut! I barely recognized her! Looove it!