Gil and Kelly Reminisce

On the season finale episode of Bringing Up Bates, which aired last week, Kelly takes Gil for an overnight stay at Maple Grove Inn. At dinner, they reminisce about the day they met, Gil's proposal, and their years together (video below).

"You have been such a good husband because you have made our marriage priority, and you have made me feel special," Kelly tells Gil.

Recap: "A Birthday to Remember"

Bringing Up Bates "A Birthday to Remember" (season finale)

• Gil beat his dad at tennis for the first time on his dad's 50th birthday. Now Nathan wants to beat Gil at wrestling on Gil's 50th birthday. Gil and Nathan consider going all out in professional wrestling attire, but they resolve to wear T-shirts and jeans to maintain their standards of modesty. Nathan thinks he is the winner, but the rest of the family says Gil is.
• Next, Lawson challenges Gil, but the Bates dad wins that match pretty easily. "Lawson is the best talker in our family," says Gil.
• Nathan has been planning a surprise 50th birthday party for his dad for several months. Kelly and the older kids meet at Zach and Whitney's to discuss details. "I think he's got an idea that something's going on, but there's no way he knows the magnitude of what we're doing," says Nathan.
• The kids are inviting family members, high school and college wrestling buddies, men Gil has ministered to, and pastors who have impacted Gil's life over the years. 
• "There is no way we can get this done," says Carlin. But Nathan has high hopes.
• "I just want to know how they come up with all them ideas," says Zach after his family leaves. "I couldn't hear myself think." The oldest Bates kid has grown accustomed to his quite life with his wife and infant son.
• Kelly takes Gil out for a romantic, one-night getaway to Maple Grove Inn, a bed and breakfast build in the late 1700s, so the kids can plan.
• "You have been such a good husband because you have made our marriage a priority," Kelly tells Gil that evening.
• "I don't know what's in the future, but I know Who holds the future, and I'm looking forward to what He's going to deliver," says Gil.
• Tori and Carlin go shopping for food. The girls pay with gift cards because Tori says their dad checks his bank balance "like every five minutes."
• Carlin attempts to come up with a few skits highlighting special moments from Gil's life to perform at the party, and Lawson writes a song for his dad.
• The kids finish cleaning and decorating just as guests start arriving from all over the country. Gil and Kelly pull into the driveway, and Kelly blindfolds her husband he can't see all the cars. They walk in the front door, and everyone yells "surprise."
• "Where did y'all come from?" Gil exclaims. He starts tearing up right away.  
• The kids act out Gil and Kelly's first date, which Gil didn't show up to. Zach reads a letter he wrote to his dad, and Lawson performs his song. Gil is touched that his kids and wife planned such a special surprise party and that so many people traveled so far to attend.
• Season two of Bringing Up Bates will premiere in June and run for 13 episodes.

Season Finale TONIGHT

Tune in to UP at 9pm ET/8pm CT for the hour-long season finale of Bringing Up Bates (preview below). The second season of Bringing Up Bates will premiere in June and run for 13 episodes.

Bringing Up Bates "A Birthday to Remember"

Gil is turning 50 and the kids want to surprise him with a huge party! Kelly Jo whisks Gil away for a romantic overnight stay while the kids get to work planning the festivities. When the big surprise is revealed, a teary-eyed Gil basks in the warm glow of being surrounded by so many family and friends.

Name That Bates Baby

Can Gil and Kelly Bates and their kids identify Bates baby pictures? Watch the following video to find out:

Jammin' Bates Boys

The Bates family loves to jam! In the following video, watch Zach Bates and Lawson Bates perform "This Little Light of Mine."

Sweet on Gil

What made Kelly fall for Gil? "Angel, my niece, came to visit," explains the mom of 19 in the following Name that Bates video. "She was about five years old, and Daddy ran around the yard playing with her the whole time, and I thought, 'He is going to be so good with kids.'"

Bates Speaking Engagements

Gil and Kelly Bates are scheduled to speak live at each of the four Institute in Basic Life Principles Family Conferences this spring and summer. Scroll down for the details.

April 21st-24th
Gil and Kelly Bates to speak at the 2015 Family Conference
Big Sandy, TX
Click here to register


May 26th-29th
Gil and Kelly Bates to speak at the 2015 Family Conference
Nashville, TN
Click here to register

June 30th-July 3rd
Gil and Kelly Bates to speak at the 2015 Family Conference
Sacramento, CA
Click here to register

July 21st-24th
Gil and Kelly Bates to speak at the 2015 Family Conference
Twin Cities, MN (Minneapolis/St. Paul)
Click here to register

Recap: "All About the Bates"

Bringing Up Bates "All About the Bates"

• The Bates sit down to answer questions submitted by fans.
• Do the kids want more siblings? Yes!
• Do Gil and Kelly want more children? Yes! "We would love more children," says Kelly. "I think that I'm getting a little too old, I guess, because we're trying and nothing's happening."
• How old do the kids have to be to court? Gil and Kelly set an approximate age of 18. "But honestly, for some kids it should be older because they ain't very mature," says Tori.
• The kids all agree that Brandon should propose to Michaella very soon. "I don't care how we get engaged," says Michaella. "As long as we get married, it doesn't matter."
• Will there be a Bates/Duggar wedding? Nathan says: "Absolutely yes." "There has to be out of 19 of them," says Tori.
• Which kids are the most outgoing? Tori and Nathan
• Who has the best style? Josie and Alyssa
• Have Gil and Kelly become less strict in their old age? Everyone says yes. The parents of 19 call it "grandparent syndrome."
• Do the Bates have any tips for disciplining children? Avoid being an angry parent, says Gil. "You may get instant results," explains the dad of 19. "But you are going to create a huge wall between you and your child..." He and Kelly encourage other parents to talk through things with their kids.
• What meal tips does Kelly have to share? She plans meals a week in advance. One of the Bates' favorite recipes is sautéed chicken. They cut boneless chicken breasts into nugget-sized pieces and sauté them in olive oil, chopped onion, garlic, butter, salt, and pepper until golden brown. Then they add honey mustard and spicy mustard and serve with potatoes.
• Can the Bates identify baby pictures of all the children? Nope.
• Do the Bates have any hidden talents? Carlin can yodel.
• Is there anything Chad can't do? Everyone says no. "We are still discovering all the talents of Chad," says Nathan.
• The kids give viewers a tour of the house. On the second floor are the master bedroom, laundry room/family clothes closet, and girls' room. The girls have trundle beds to save space. Inside the girls' room is a tiny alcove that has a bunk bed for Judson and Jeb and an elliptical. The boys live on the third floor.

Tonight on UP

Tonight on Bringing Up Bates, "All About the Bates," the family gathers together to answer viewers' questions. Tune in to UP at 9pm ET/8pm CT. Video preview below:

Make Chili Like a Bates

At the request of our readers, we have a secret Bates family recipe to share. Who likes chili?

Bates Family Chili Recipe

Ingredients

Hamburger (about 2 pounds)

1 can tomato juice or V8 juice

2 cans diced tomatoes

2 cans beans (you can use cooked dried beans-pinto, kidney, navy, black beans, or another variety)

Optional other vegetables (diced onions, peppers, mushrooms, corn, etc)

1 bag chili seasoning (we use Brown Bag or Carroll Shelby)

Directions

Brown hamburger in large stock pot; drain cooked beef, and add all other ingredients.

Cook on low for 1 hour or place in crock pot. (The chili is ready and can be served sooner, but the longer it cooks, the better the flavor.)

Serve chili with corn chips, sour cream, lettuce, and tomatoes, or serve with spaghetti noodles and cheese.

Video: Gil's Gaffe

Erin Bates Paine hosts this round of Name that Bates. Find out how well Kelly Bates knows Gil Bates, and hear about Gil's favorite restaurant and most embarrassing moment.

Throwback: Bates at the Beach

On this week's episode of Bringing Up Bates, Gil and Kelly and the Kids spent time at the beach in Clearwater, Florida. Check out these pictures of past Bates beach vacations.

 Gil Bates and Lawson Bates

Myrtle Beach, 1993

 Papa Bill and Zach Bates

Myrtle Beach, 1993

 Kelly Bates and Zach Bates

Myrtle Beach, 1993

 Gil and Kelly Bates with Lawson Bates, Erin Bates, 

Michaella Bates, and Zach Bates

Myrtle Beach, 1993

 Gil and Kelly Bates with Lawson Bates, Erin Bates, and Zach Bates

Myrtle Beach, 1993

 Gil and Kelly Bates with Michaella Bates, Erin Bates, Zach Bates, and Lawson Bates

Myrtle Beach, 1993

 Gil Bates with Zach Bates, Nathan Bates, Lawson Bates,

Erin Bates and Michaella Bates

1994

 Gil Bates with Nathan Bates and Lawson Bates

1994

 Michaella Bates

1994

 Bates family 

2006

 Bates family 

2006

Bates family 

2006

 Bates family 

2006

 Gil and Kelly Bates

2006

 Josie Bates

2007

Tori Bates and Addallee Bates 

2007

Recap: "The Bates Go to Florida"

Here is the recap of last night's show. We usually post our recaps immediately after each episode airs, but we were delayed this week due to technical difficulties. Thank you for your patience. :)

Bringing Up Bates "The Bates Go to Florida"

• The Bates clan arrives at Alyssa and John's home near Orlando. They newlywed couple has a small house that they keep very clean. "It was like somebody opened the floodgate..." said Gil, looking back on the family's visit.
• Kelly tells the kids to mind their manners while they are at Alyssa's. "We listen to the rules, but I don't know if we fully obey them," says Carlin.
• Alyssa is expecting a baby girl, Allie Jane, on April 10th. The Bates can't wait to welcome another grandchild.
• "Having a granddaughter is going to be exciting," says Kelly. "I know at the same time it is going to be really, really hard because I can't just go down the street and see her and hold her anytime I want to."
• John says he wants to wait about a month after the baby is born for Alyssa's 18 siblings to come visit. The kids aren't too happy about that.
• Gil brings his tree trimming supplies to clip a few branches for his daughter. Meanwhile, Kelly and Alyssa cook dinner. "It's definitely different cooking for 21 again," says Alyssa.
• "Alyssa's all about presentation," says Kelly. "She makes it look good."
• The entire family heads to Clearwater to go to the beach for the first time in seven years.
• "We like beaches, and we like people," says Gil. "We just like people to have all their clothes on at the beaches."
• Several of the kids wear swimsuits, which means WholesomeWear for the girls and swim trunks and shirts for the boys. The others wear regular clothes, but that doesn't stop their dad and siblings from throwing them in the ocean.
• Next, the family goes to the Clearwater Aquarium, where they have the privilege of feeding Winter, a dolphin with a prosthetic tale who stars in the movies Dolphin Tale and Dolphin Tale 2.
• "It was pretty cool getting to pet a movie star dolphin...says " Katie.
• At Showcase of Citrus, the Bates pick fresh oranges. Then, they take a ride on one of the world's largest monster trucks. "I don't' think you could have picked a better way to end the trip," says Lawson.

Bates at the Beach

Tune in tonight for a new episode of Bringing Up Bates, "The Bates Go to Florida" (video preview below).

The Bates family hits the road to visit Alyssa and John Webster in Florida. Things get interesting when they head to the beach, as most of them have never set foot in the ocean. Due to technical difficulties, our written recap might be a bit late. Thanks for understanding!

Brandon's Hidden Artistic Talent

Last week on Bringing Up Bates, the Bates clan celebrated Thanksgiving. Brandon Keilen, Michaella's boyfriend, filmed a video of himself sketching the Thanksgiving story and shared it with the family. "Mom didn't believe he did it, so Mom made him write it all over again," says Warden. Watch the clip below to see the artist at work.

Bates Family to Return for 2nd Season

UP TV announced that Bringing Up Bates, its strongest original series ever, will return for a second season. According to the network, the number of viewers has grown each week.

"It's a show that entertains the whole family, which makes it perfectly suited for our brand," said Amy Winter, EVP and general manager of UP. "We are very happy to bring it back for another season and look forward to sharing new trials, new triumphs, and new grandbabies in the upcoming season."

The current season will end in just a few weeks, and season two will premiere in June and feature 13 episodes.

It's a Boy!

Chad and Erin Paine announced the gender of their baby, due June 8th, on tonight's new episode of Bringing Up Bates. It's a boy! That means Gil and Kelly will have two grandsons and one granddaughter.

Chad and Erin also announced the name...Charles Stephen Paine IV. They have already decided to call him Carson. Here are a few ultrasound pictures:

Recap: "A Big Bates Thanksgiving"

Bringing Up Bates "A Big Bates Thanksgiving"

• Erin visits her doctor to determine the gender of her baby. The results are written on a piece of paper and sealed in an envelope, which Erin will give to her cousin Katherine so she can bake a cake with either pink or blue inside. "I am a super curious person, especially when it comes to what my baby is," says Erin.
• The family packs up and heads to Gil's parents' farm in Honea Path, South Carolina. Mama Jane and Papa Bill prepare to feed a few dozen family members for Thanksgiving Dinner.
• Gil's parents have owned their farm since they moved to the area when Gil was in third grade. Now, his brother and sister each own a house and several acres of land on the property. Gil and Kelly also own several acres.
• The entire family gathers together, including Michaella's boyfriend, Brandon, as well as Alyssa and John who have driven up from Florida.
• On Thanksgiving Day, Callie accidentally slams Jeb's finger in a door. Later, during the annual family football game (married guys versus single guys) Zach injures his knee. But no one ends up in the emergency room, so the Bates consider it a good day.
• Growing up, Gil spent a lot of time playing sports. His parents say he had a hard time balancing athletics with other priorities. Now that he has kids, he encourages them to put Christ first, which means they don't play organized sports.
• The Bates put on their matching outfits (purples, blues, and grays) and take family photos. Chad the photographer organizes the pictures.
• Bill and Jane rent a tent for Thanksgiving Dinner because their house isn't big enough to accommodate their growing family. After the meal, the Bates move inside and reflect on what they are thankful for. "There was probably not a dry eye in the place," says Gil.
• Kelly's response is the most touching: "I'm really thankful that y'all are so forgiving because I know as parents, we have let you down so many times. There have been times that we were upset with y'all that we shouldn't have been, or that we should have cut you slack and we didn't, or that we were impatient. And y'all have put up and endured and even encouraged us along and are so forgiving. And many times we look back and we feel like failures as parents, and we feel like we've let y'all down in so many ways. And y'all are the greatest kids in the world. Y'all encourage us so much. I just love every one of you.
• Gil says he is thankful that his wife had the idea of leaving the size of their family up to God. He thought it was crazy at first, but looking back, he says it was one of the best decisions he has ever made.
• Everyone gathers around as Erin cuts into the cake baked by her cousin. The inside is blue, which means she and Chad are having a boy!
• To end the night, Lawson plays piano while Papa Bill and Mama Jane dance. Mama Jane tries to teach Nathan. "Nathan cannot dance," says Michaella.
• The following day, the Bates (everyone but Michaella, who is returning home to Tennessee to work, and Brandon, who is flying back to Michigan) gather up their belongings to head down to Alyssa's house.
• The family talks about how different Thanksgiving will be in 2015. "Bradley might have a girl in his life...a sister," says Zach. "Zach, be serious!" responds Whitney.
• "There might be a couple more wives, or girlfriends," says Nathan. "I am not getting married before next Thanksgiving," confirms Lawson.

Bates Thanksgiving... Tonight on UP

On tonight's new episode of Bringing Up Bates, the Bates family is celebrating Thanksgiving at Gil's parents' farm. As they join hands to say what they are thankful for, someone reveals a big surprise. Tune in to UP at 9pm ET/8pm CT for this hour-long episode, and come back to the blog after the show for a written recap. Video preview below:

"Tori, Hands Off!"

See what happens when Michaella and Tori take Brandon and the little Bates kids to an indoor bounce house.

"He had a bunch of excuses, so I just grabbed him and pulled him," says Tori. "And Michaella had a fit. She does not like people touching her boyfriend."

Bates Double Dates

In the video below, Erin (Bates) and Chad Paine take Michaella Bates and her boyfriend, Brandon Keilen, on a double date to discuss the courting couple's relationship. Find out what Brandon thinks of the Bates clan and how he is adjusting to Michaella's super-sized family.

Photos: Bates Boys in Asia

As we announced last week, Lawson and Nathan Bates, along with Josiah Duggar, are currently on a three-week medical mission trip in Tacloban, Philippines. The boys are working tirelessly to provide medical supplies and basic care to those affected by the recent typhoons. They are also sharing the Gospel with locals. Here are a few photos:

 Nathan Bates and Lawson Bates

 Lawson Bates

Lawson Bates