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.
Anna A. says
Snow City Cafe rules! You’re making me want to drive an hour to go get french toast now. :-) Although that is much closer than you are, I suppose. The hair looks great!
katrina says
Thank you for sharing so many aspects of your life. It looks like you had a great day!
Definitely go to Hawaii. I’ve been to the island of Oahu and surfed Waikiki every day for a week. It was wonderful. Highly recommended!
Jordan@the2seasons says
Happy 4th year!!! By the way breakfast looked amazing. Go to Hawaii you will love it. The problem is you might not come back. I went out for a visit and ended up moving out there for a couple years. Congrats again!
Jessica Marshall says
Happy Anniversary guys! Your little bean is precious and it looks like you had an amazing time!
Kristen in Hawaii says
OMGHAWAII! If the urge to house crash happens to strike while you’re visiting, you have a very willing crashee in Honolulu :) PS – Sherry, your hair looks fab!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- if we’re out your way we’ll have to drop by and hula with you!
xo,
s
Jane says
Sherry ,
I have to give credit for Kristen , I got introduced to your blog only from her site.I love and trust her beauty reviews a lot and used to love her beauty addict site..! And by recommending your site , she done me a HUGE favor :) SO , thanks Kristen!
And what better time to get introduced to your site..we are just going to be first time home buyers!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Kristen and Jane! So glad to have you fine ladies dropping in!
xo,
s
Aron says
Happy 4th. You will love Hawaii. If you are not already set on a specific island might I suggest Kauai. It is sooooo serene and beautiful. I would be happy to send you pictures if you need proof :)
Lizzie says
aaaargh, i so love the family pics, there so sweet!
Janny A. says
Sherry you look bombshell gorgeous with short hair!!! I just went…..WOW!!!!
OwningSingle says
Happy Anniversary!
Heather says
Happy 4nniversary! You’re all adorable :)
Margaret says
I love Snow City. Totally debated going there for lunch today. How funny.
Amanda- Hip House Girl says
Happy anniversary! Sherry you look awesome with the short hair- I bet it feels sooooo nice.
Marina says
Happy anniversary! I wish you many many years of fun together (with paint :o) )!!
And, do please come for a visit to da islands! I’m sure you will be delighted if you did! If you want any advice/info/or need a contact, please feel free to contact me.
P.S. Ditto on the hair, awesome!
Kirsty says
Happy Anniversary!! Looks like you had a wonderful day and Sherry your hair looks great! I’m getting my locks chopped off this weekend into something quite similar. Uber cute :)
katie says
so so good! happy anniversary!!
p.s. i had to stare at the hair cut photo for a good 15 seconds before i realized it wasn’t amanda peet. haha. i love the hair cut anniversary tradition.
xoxo
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yeah she’s the other one I get!
xo,
s
Catherine says
Sherry, your hair looks incredible! You look beautiful with the new do! And congratulations on year 4!
Tina says
Happy anniversary! Your haircut is fabulous! My 9 yr. old daughter & I are growing our hair out to donate. I can’t wait to get a new cut!
Jennah says
As um a couple others have said, dude you look HOTT in the hair pics! gorgeous!
Valerie says
Congrats!! My husband and I just got back from Hawaii a week and a half ago so we could give you some good tips on what to do if you like! :)
Megan says
I actually had Snow City Cafe for breakfast today :) I’m always happy to see them get love!
YoungHouseLove says
Such a luck lady.
xo,
s
Relevant Notes says
Love the hair Sherry! Happy Anniversary!
Candice says
I didn’t even recognize Sherry with the shorter hair and sultry pose! Love the new hairdo and the anniversary scoop!
Katie says
Sherry can you do a photo shoot of your closet and all your black shirts?! haha
YoungHouseLove says
Hah- it would be pretty boring. They all look the same! I must have five with short sleeves, five tanks, and five long sleevers. Haha.
xo,
s
Kelly says
Happy Anniversary! Sounds like you guys had a lovely day.
GREAT haircut, Sherry! Seriously! Hot Mamasville! (John’s a lucky guy.)
elaine says
Happy 4nniversary!
Looks like a wonderful day. Great gifts, wonderful time spent and adorable hair cut! looks fantastic! And my little nugget has the same Alphabet book as Clara. Adorbs.
Kara says
I just called to make a hair appointment….
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- good luck!
xo,
s
Claudia says
LOOOOOOOOOVE THE HAIRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!! Looks awesome.
Happy anniversary!
Every time that girl in Game of Thrones pops up I think of Sherry, except the chick never smiles. Not that I blame her. She doesn’t have Clara or Burger :D
kathy says
The french toast looks almost as amazing as Sherry’s new hair cut! What a sweet anniversary with Clara and Burger (who looks a bit perturbed in the photo–haha!) Happy 4th!
valerie says
definitely go to hawai’i! I just got back and can’t say enough good things about it. let me know if you need advice on things to do (or skip…)
Paul says
I think Sherry was kinda cute with the long hair.
But that last picture??? I’m pretty sure that’s drool on my shirt! Lucky man, John, lucky man. But don’t worry, my wife’s not too jealous – no one can beat her.
kathy says
Speaking of Hawaii, I’m taking off to spend a week there with a friend who is having a HUGE 50th birthday party next week. She was a high school classmate of President Obama, so he’s invited too…I’ll let you know if he shows up. haha! I highly recommend a Hawaiian vacay with the Bean for your 5th anniversary—such a great place to relax!!
YoungHouseLove says
Woah- that’s crazy! Give us the gossip when you’re back!
xo,
s
Corie says
Happy Anniversary! My husband & I just celebrated our 1st anniversary last month : ) Love your new haircut too!
heather says
This is one of the cutest things I’ve read in forever. <3 I love it. Also that is a super nice haircut and looks great. I'm just about to chop my hair off myself from our wedding! Can't…take…much…more.
Bridget says
Happy 4anniversary to you both! And your pic of the food from Sticks has me incredibly homesick for Charlottesville, VA where I used to live. My absolute favorite! My mouth is watering! I hope you enjoyed it.
Kayla says
I love all of your awesome traditions! I’m from Richmond also, and my boyfriend and I actually went to Brio for our prom dinner back in May 2005 :) Such yummy food!!
Erika says
What a fun post! Glad you had a good anniversary.
Sherry, your hair looks FANTASTIC!!! Yours too, John ;)
Laura Bellamy says
You guys are soooo sweet.
Lindsay @ Aisle to Aloha says
Sherry, your hair looks gorgeous! Way to brave the chop!
Come on over to my blog and get a taste of what your vacation could look like next year– I posted about our “stay-cation” that we enjoyed last week after my hubs’ return from deployment. ;)
Jazmine says
Your hair cut looks amazing. It really highlights the shape of your face and your cheekbones! Love it.
April says
Gosh! We have the same Anniversary! On the other hand, we’re still on BF/GF stage.. It’s our 6th year anniversary last 07.07.11.. still hoping for a marriage proposal! lols.. Congrats and stay inlove Sherry and John (with Cutie Clara on the side). :)
Rose says
The pics Sherry took of herself are absolutely gorgeous! I especially like the last one. Looks like a fun day.
Chrissi says
I have to tell you that when I looked at the first picture of Sherry with her new do, I thought it was a picture from years ago – like high school journalism class years ago!! I seriously did! It is a great cut on you Sherry!
Emily@Decorchick says
Well even though you have 328 comments already, I’m going to jump in here and say y’all are too freaking adorable, and Sherry…you are HOT!!! I am so jealous of your perfect skin and perfect hair and perfect plump pouty lips. Yea, I have a crush on you.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, I have a crush right back. You’re sweet. Blush.
xo,
s
Natalie says
My husband and I are OBSESSED with Groupon {and Living Social}. Also, do you guys ever use Restaurant.com? We were planning a trip to Atlantic City, and I found a gift certificate from there for a cool, local restaurant that was $10 for $25 worth of food. I then checked out retailmenot.com {my go-to site for coupon codes} and found an 80% off discount! So, we were able to get $25 worth of food for $2. Pretty darn good if you ask me!
I love those notecards and I definitely would have bought them, too! Also, Sherry, you are GORGEOUS!
Happy belated anniversary to you two! :)
YoungHouseLove says
Yes- restaurant.com is awesome! We love those 80% off days!
xo,
s
Leah - Bogue Living says
Happy Anniversary! Looks like a great day, the ‘do is awesome, and as always your blog makes me smile :)
Kristin F says
You look smokin’ hot. Good choice John!
Casey says
Hi guys, there seems to be an issue with your images displaying? I’m in Aus and can’t see them either on my work PC or on my iphone!
YoungHouseLove says
So sorry- we’re hoping they’re back by now for ya (we heard they came back). No idea why that happened!
xo,
s
Patricialynn says
All of a sudden the pictures on your blog aren’t coming through. Even the old posts (which I clearly remember pictures on) have no images at all. Has anyone else mentioned this issue to you, or is it just me?
Patricialynn
YoungHouseLove says
So sorry- maybe it’s a glitch? We heard they came back a little while later for those who had issues. Can you see them now?
xo,
s
Leslie Ann says
Oh my gosh! I just have to ditto what everyone has been saying about Sherry’s hair!!! And I really like it parted, instead of pulled back out of her face… I much prefer this! It’s gorgeous!!!
Shunta says
the pictures in all the posts are gone :-( or is it just my computer? went to look at your guest bedroom post b/c we’re getting ready to paint our bedroom a bold blue and I realized the pics weren’t showing. And they aren’t showing on today’s post either. Is it just me?
YoungHouseLove says
So sorry- it’s the first we’ve heard of it and they work on our end. Did they come back? Hoping it was a momentary glitch (and heard someone say they came back).
xo,
s