Marie, of course, was living with Jess and Austin in their apartment in LA. Jess had officially become a radio DJ and, of course, Austin was in the second season of the sixth Star Trek series. There had also been some revision on the script for the next X-men movie, and they had asked Austin to return. Naturally, he agreed (much to Isaac and Babsie's delight).
Sarah was touring with Indecision of course. But this year - since she was nine - although she wasn't allowed to officially join the band, she was invited to join them on stage as a back up musician.
Indecision also had a tour going, but they were planning on finishing up in a couple of weeks to have a break and then start on their next record. Hanson's tour wouldn't be finished for a couple of months, but then they too, would be starting on their next album.
Avie was finishing off the movie she was working on (the one with Max). The now 19-year-old had a few auditions lined up, including one for the next James Bond movie.
The Four Amigos (Mike, Sam, Adam and Xavier) were happily working on their band, the very talented seven and six year olds. Morgan had shown no interest into going into music, but that was ok.
Kyle, now five months old, seemed to be accepted. It was hard not to accept him now. Poor little Kyle had been born deaf.
The doctors put it down to genetics. Said considering the healthy state of Taylor's kids with Rita, it was probably a fault with the mother. Someone commented that it was a crime any Hanson should be deaf.
As a result, Taylor and Rita started learning sign language. They figured that in time not only would Kyle learn (well, he had to) but others in the family would catch on and learn too.
Babsie was now about a week off her due date. Isaac had really wanted to hang around for the birth, unfortunately with the tour and all it simply wasn't practical. She, Rita and the kids (including Hope) would be staying in Tulsa while the guys were finishing off the tour.
"Do you two finally have names picked? Or are you gonna wait until the last minute?" Rita asked.
"We have names picked."
"And?"
"And you'll just have to wait and see."
Rita gave her cousin a look.
"They aren't X-men names again this time are they?"
Babsie grinned devilishly.
"That's for me to know, and you to find out."
"Oh, I hate it when you do that."
"Y'know, it's not like you have a long wait."
Rita smiled, and there was silence for a moment.
"How can you stand being away from Ike? They're not going to be here for a couple of months. I don't understand how you can stand it. I sure can't stand being away from Tay."
Babsie shrugged.
"I guess I'm just one of those people. But I do wish he could be here. At least they're going to be back when your baby is due."
Rita nodded.