The words "change of plans" can serriously suck - especially when your original plans included snow, warm fires and way too much food. In the spirit of New Year's and the business of resolutions, however, this has been perfect. The thing that I always forget is that the result of the phrase "change in plans" often means doing something much better.

In lieu of our annual trip trip to the snow with friends (due to the complete lack of snow), we just decided to spend the time at their house.

This allowed us to take spontaneous trips to the zoo with our daughters:

Have a mama's only date night:

And enjoy simple pleasures like grocery shopping together:

So the lessons learned? Time with friends is amazing wherever you spend it and detours on life's road can end up being more fun and beautiful than anything you could have ever planned for - enjoy it.

So, I have something to tell you 2012, we're making a change of plans. I'm going crazy resolution-style and and I'm going to rock the hell out of you. This year is going to be filled with so much light and happiness you're gonna need shades... So brace yourself.