Lots of changes happened while we were away and we have a new face in our group this season. Kimberly decides to move her family to Chicago, where she and her son won’t be in the sun 12 months a year. With Kim moving on, that leaves a space for single mom Tammy to join ‘the club.’ Tammy has three kids (Megan, Lindsey and Ryley) and has recently moved back behind the gates, but only renting her house due to a divorce and financial struggles. She is a good friend of Jeana’s. Now, that you’ve been introduced, let’s find out what our other gal-pals have been up to and what we can expect this season:

Jeana: Son Shane is home from college due to a back injury that is preventing him from playing baseball. With Shane home from school, all hell is breaking loose around the house and Jeana tries to keep the family together while husband Matt keeps going away. Daughter Kara feels the academic pressure from mom and uses modeling as an escape. Jeana holds on to ‘baby’ Colton, who she feels is a better baseball player than Shane and whom she calls her ‘golden boy.’

Jo: She is back living with Slade, but hasn’t put the engagement ring back on. As the youngest in the group, Jo realizes that there is much more out there for her, even more than Slade can offer. Jo likes the excitement of Los Angles much more than the country club atmosphere of her O.C. pals. The truth is becoming obvious to Slade to, who decides to make some changes in his life as well.

Lauri: Lauri is living the good life these days after going on a blind date with a wealthy guy. George is everything Lauri is looking for in a guy and she is floating on cloud 9. But in reality, son Josh is now at a State-run boarding school and daughter Ashley is living at the condo as Lauri and Sophie live with George. She still works with Vicki for now and is finding success in everything she is doing these days.

Vicki: The words slow down mean nothing to Vicki as she has to decide how to split family time and business the right way. Business is booming and she hires some new employees, including the father of Ryley (Tammy’s son). Vicki realizes she needs to e to spend some quality time with her family and plans a big cruise.

The new season opens with a bustle of activity and you’ll want to tune in each week to see what trouble or delight each lady gets into. Lauri has been swept off her feet in a whirlwind romance and we get a front seat to an exciting event. With Shane home, Jeana tries to keep all calm in the house, but hubby Matt can’t handle all the commotion. We see Jeana at work a little more and how successful she is in the real estate world. Jeana helps friend Tammy find a new place to live after her house was flooded. Vicki is not thrilled by Michael’s attitude and sends him off to get straightened out. We all see Vicki go back home and visit with her family. Things start to make a little sense as to why she is the way she is. Jo loves her independence which includes a different job and farther away from Slade. She is starting to show interest in the entertainment industry and doors might already be open for her there.

"The Real Housewives of Orange County" premieres on January 16, 2007 at 10pm ET.