Keilens in Canada

As a late celebration of their third wedding anniversary, which was on August 15th, Michael and Brandon Keilen are spending time in Canada. They kicked off their trip with some time at Niagara Falls. Have you ever been to Niagara? If you have seen it from both the Canadian and American side, which do you think is more majestic?

Brandon Keilen and Michaela Keilen

Photo courtesy of brandonandmichaela.com

A Jaw-Dropping Transformation

"I wanted to cry, but I was too excited! I just hope we can keep it clean."

-Kelly Bates

If Thursday's season finale episode left you wondering what Gil and Kelly Bates thought of the new paint colors, decorations, and furniture that greeted them when they returned home from Josie's Utah engagement trip, you're not alone. Thankfully, UPtv captured their reactions on film for our enjoyment (video below). Are you a fan of the new look?

Photo/video courtesy of UPtv

Season 7 Finale Fan File

What did you think of Thursday's season finale episode? The show is now on break until January 3rd, which means no more weekly Bringing Up Bates Fan File segments. My last one of the season is embedded below. During the break, I will continue to share all the latest Bates updates as usual, so keep coming back to the blog each day to check for new posts.

Photo/video courtesy of UPtv

Marriage License--Check!

Things are getting real for Josie and Kelton! They have their marriage license and are looking forward to tying the knot in just eight days.

Kelton Balka and Josie Bates

Photo courtesy of thebatesfamily.com

'A Monumental Proposal' Recap

Bringing Up Bates "A Monumental Proposal"

• After Kelton surprises her at work, Josie has to run home to pack. When Josie, Kelton, and the parents arrive in Utah, they are amazed by the beautiful scenery.
• “My nerves had been high when I asked Josie at work to come on this trip, but when we landed, I thought everything was going to calm down a little bit, and really my nerves just kept building the entire time,” says Kelton.
• The group arrives at their rental condo in Moab, and Kelton gives Josie the first packet, which represents the first stage of their relationship—the “best friend” stage. The packet contains a handwritten letter, pictures, and a best friend charm for Josie’s bracelet. “I was just amazed at the thoughtfulness,” says Kelly.
• The following day, the first stop is Eklecticafe. When the server brings out coffee, he presents Josie with the next packet, representing the “boyfriend/girlfriend” stage. The packet has another letter, more pictures, and another charm (a coffee cup).
• As the engagement unfolds, Kelly films the highlights on her phone and sends the videos to the rest of the family.
• Kelton has planned a sightseeing tour of Arches National Park in a 4x4 vehicle. Michael and Kelton arrange for one of the Navtec Expeditions employees to place the next two packets in two scenic locations ahead of Josie and Kelton's arrival.
• When the road gets bumpy, Kelly starts freaking out. “…Every time Mrs. Bates would get in a panic about something, [the guide/driver] would just continue to antagonize and make it worse,” laughs Kelton.
• At Double Arch, Kelton leads Josie to the third packet, representing their courtship. He gives her a bridge charm, another letter, and more pictures. “There’s something about seeing your child happy,” says Kelly. “That brings the most fulfillment. And knowing how happy that Josie is going to be when Kelton surprises her…I’ve been counting down the days for this.”
• The final destination is Tower Arch. Josie notices that Kelton is becoming increasingly nervous, and she expects that the big moment has arrived. The final packet (the engagement stage), is sitting at the proposal spot. While Josie is looking at the infinity charm, Kelton gets down on one knee.
• “Josie Bates, you are the love of my life, and I don’t want to do life or live without you," Kelton says. "Everything that we have been through together has brought us to this point, and I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you’re the one that I want to spend the rest of my life with. Will you marry me?” Josie says yes!
• “I am completely blown away by all of the planning and work and sentiment that Kelton put into the trip and the engagement, and now I’m just excited to get married,” says Josie.
• “It seems like, as soon as we check one thing off of our calendar, ten more things are added to the calendar,” says Kelly. “It’s like the calendar keeps growing just like the family keeps growing.”
• Back at the Bates house, Carlin and the Paines head up a huge cleaning and redecorating project as a surprise for Gil and Kelly. They repaint the living room and dining room white, and they repaint the exterior doors and dining table blue. They also de-clutter. “I don’t’ know what Dad would have thought if he was here just because he’s a pack rat,” says Erin. The finishing touches are new decorations and family photos for the walls.
• Meanwhile, Zach and Whitney sit down with the owner of Hunter Valley Farm, the venue for their upcoming vow renewal, to discuss decorations and logistics. Whitney says there are two reasons why they are doing a vow renewal: she wants to show Zach how much she still loves him, and she wants to honor her parents because they missed out on her wedding.
• As always, Zach is all about the food. “Everything could fall apart that day, but as long as we have good food, he’s going to be okay,” says Whitney.

Kelly Flips Out

"When I saw some of the terrain that we were fixin' to go over, I just knew I was missing out on hearing my wife scream in that car. That's one of my favorite things."
-Gil Bates

Kelton's proposal may be romantic, but the off-road sightseeing tour that he plans certainly isn't. Sandwiched between Josie and his future mother-in-law, Kelton laughs as the two Bates women flip out. Kelly is especially scared (video below). Can you commiserate with her, or would you have enjoyed the ride? Be sure to tune in for the Bringing Up Bates season seven finale tonight at 9pm ET/8pm CT on UPtv.

Photo/video courtesy of UPtv

What to Expect on Season 8

Yesterday, we announced the season eight premiere date--Thursday, January 3, 2019. Season seven will end with Josie and Kelton's engagement tomorrow evening, so what's in store for season eight? The answer is simple: a lot of excitement!

"We are excited to kick off 2019 with the return of our beloved series 'Bringing Up Bates,'" said
Timothy Kuryak, UPtv senior vice president of production and development, in a press release. “In the new season, the Bates family continues to grow through new relationships, weddings, and babies."

In 2019, you can look forward to watching Josie Bates and Kelton Balka's wedding, Zach and Whitney Bates' vow renewal, and Evan Stewart's proposal to Carlin Bates. You will also walk alongside Tori and Bobby Smith as they prepare to welcome their first child, and you'll receive updates from the Bates family members facing fertility struggles.

Brace yourself--the Bates have a lot in store!

Photo courtesy of UPtv

2 Bates-Sized Surprises

"There’s something about seeing your child happy. That brings the most fulfillment. And knowing how happy that Josie is going to be when Kelton surprises her…I’ve been counting down the days for this."
-Kelly Bates

Only one day to go until Josie and Kelton's "monumental" engagement airs on reality TV! You'll watch the couple explore the unique sites of Arches National Park, followed by an emotional proposal in a breathtaking location.

Meanwhile, the other Bates siblings pull off a surprise of their own--they're redecorating the Bates house. Check out these two videos, and be sure to tune in to the hour-long Bringing Up Bates season finale tomorrow at 9pm ET/8pm CT on UPtv.

Photo/videos courtesy of UPtv

Season 8 Coming in 3 Months

The Bringing Up Bates season seven finale premieres this Thursday, but UP has just announced a start date for season eight! As in past years, the network will kick off the New Year with all-new episodes of the Bates. The official date is Thursday, January 3rd, during the usual 9pm ET/8pm CT time slot.

Photo courtesy of UP

Engagement Message from Carlin and Evan

 

Earlier today, we posted Carlin and Evan's engagement announcement and photos, and now we're topping it off with a video from the couple, filmed soon after the proposal.

Photo/video courtesy of UP

Carlin and Evan Engagement Photos

Have you heard the news? Carlin and Evan are getting married! Below are a few photos from their Maine coast engagement.

Carlin Bates and Evan Stewart

 Carlin Bates and Evan Stewart

Carlin Bates and Evan Stewart

Additional photos are available on the UP website.

If you enjoy this blog, be sure to visit Ellie's other blogs (NashvilleWife.com and DuggarFamilyBlog.com).

Photo credit: twoadventuroussouls.com

Carlin is Engaged!

The big Bates secret has been revealed. Carlin Bates is engaged to Evan Stewart! The proposal took place over the weekend at Portland Head Lighthouse, reports PEOPLE Magazine. Evan surprised Carlin with a trip to Maine. After taking a limo to the proposal location, the couple shared a dance to live cello music. With both parents watching from a distance, Evan got down on one knee and pulled out a gorgeous ring...and Carlin said yes! Photos coming soon.

Photo courtesy of Carlin Bates

Big Bates News Coming Soon!

Here's an exciting announcement to kick off your Monday. The Bates family has some big news, and the network will be revealing it by the end of the week! What do you think it is?

Photo courtesy of UP

Tori's Birth Plan

Tori and Bobby Smith are just weeks away from meeting little Robert Ellis Smith IV, due November 24th. While she lived in Knoxville, Tori saw Dr. Vick, who has done obstetrics for multiple members of the Bates family, but fans have been wondering what she is going to do now that she lives in Nashville.

Tori is planning to have the baby at a birthing center that is located inside a hospital. The birth will be attended by a doctor, and she will have access to emergency care if needed.

Photo courtesy of Tori and Bobby Smith

Bates Fan File 735

Hope all my blog readers are having a relaxing Friday evening (or Saturday morning for my wonderful international readers). Just wanted to share my Bates Fan File segment for this week. Who else is sad that there is only one episode of Bringing Up Bates to go before season seven comes to a close?

Video courtesy of UP

Counsel from a Coffee Shop

The big engagement episode is just around the corner! Bringing Up Bates "A Monumental Proposal" premieres next Thursday on UP and will be one hour long. In the video below, Kelton Balka finalizes his plans, but when he calls a coffee shop to ask for help, the woman who answers has an important but unexpected question for him. His father and siblings enjoy listening in on the conversation.

Photo/video courtesy of UP

Whitney Turns the Big 2-5!

Today, the Bates are celebrating the birthday of their only daughter-in-law. Gil and Kelly have four married daughters, which means they have four--soon to be five--sons-in-law, but as of yet, only one of their sons is married. Happy 25th, Whitney!

Zach and Whitney are approaching their five-year wedding anniversary this December. (Can you believe it?) They have two beautiful children and one waiting for them in heaven. 

Whitney Bates and Kaci Bates, Christmas 2016

Carlin Bates, Erin Paine, Whitney Bates, February 2018

Zach and Whitney Bates, Christmas 2016

Zach Bates, Whitney Bates, Bradley Bates, July 2015

Photos courtesy of Zach and Whitney Bates

'Blue or Pink, What Do You Think?' Recap

Bringing Up Bates "Blue or Pink, What Do You Think?"

• “When I found out Tori was expecting, the first thing I said is, ‘Can I plan you a gender reveal party?’” says Erin, who loves parties. Tori and Bobby arrive at the event, attended by the entire Bates family and hosted under a pavilion at a local park. The gender is soon to be revealed, but that doesn’t stop the family from trying to pull the news out of the parents-to-be.
• Gender reveal parties are a newer thing for the Bates because Gil and Kelly enjoyed waiting until birth to find out the gender of their babies.
• After lunch, everyone divides into two groups, which turn out to be about even, based on their guess. To make the announcement, Tori and Bobby fill a balloon with blue powder, and then Tori pitches the balloon to bobby, who hits it with a bat. Both Tori and Bobby admit that they were hoping for a boy first. His name will be Robert Ellis Smith IV, but his nickname will be Kade. Bobby says it’s Latin for “fourth generation.”
• At Zach and Whitney’s house one morning, they discuss plans for their vow renewal over breakfast with the kids. They are all eating Honey Nut Cheerios, which Bradley and Kaci love. “I like Cheerios, with milk and a spoon,” says Bradley. 
• “We always ate off-brand everything growing up, except for Honey Nut Cheerios,” says Zach. 
• Later, Kelton shares his proposal plans with his father, two sisters, and two brothers. “It’s a huge relief that all these plans are coming together,” he says “Now that we’re getting things locked down, it’s starting to hit how excited I am that I actually get to propose in Utah.”
• “We kind of have an idea of when we want to get married, but I don’t have a ring, and it needs to change soon, so hopefully those plans are in the making,” says Josie.
• On the big day, Kelton picks up pink roses at Powell Florist and drives over to Josie's place of employment. “As I was walking up to her salon, my heart was just pounding in my chest,” admits Kelton. “I was not expecting to be so nervous.”
• When Josie sees Kelton and asks him why he's there, he responds: “I have some bad news and some good news, okay? The bad news is, I don’t think your next client is going to show up because that’s a fake appointment. The good news is, we’re going on a trip. We’re going to take you somewhere that you’ve always wanted to go, and we’re going right now.” 
• Josie shares she has never been one for surprises but that she has come to enjoy Kelton’s surprises.
• Gil and Kelly present Josie with a cake decorated with graham crackers and a cactus to see if she can guess the destination, which she does.
• At the start of the trip, Kelton presents Josie with a charm bracelet and an airplane charm. Along the way, he will give her additional charms: a heart that says “best friends” to symbolize the start of their relationship; a coffee cup because they have shared many coffee dates; a bridge because Kelton asked Josie to court while standing on a covered bridge; and an infinity symbol.

Tune in next week for the final episode of season seven, which will feature the proposal!

Carlin's New Look

In preparation for fall, which officially starts in two days, Carlin Bates got a new hairdo. Just a few days ago, she was rocking a head of blonde hair, and now she's a brunette. What do you think of the transformation?

Carlin Bates (after) 

Carlin Bates (before)

We know you are probably wondering what Carlin's natural hair color is, and the answer is brunette. That is true for most of the Bates ladies, although the shades differ.

Carlin Bates and Tori Bates, October 2015

Bates family beach vacation, 2006

Photos courtesy of Carlin Bates, thebatesfamily.com, UP

Tori's 30-Week Baby Bump

Tori Bates Smith is approaching the 31-week mark in her pregnancy. Robert Ellis Smith IV is due November 24th. Tori and Bobby have chosen to call him Kade because they say it is Latin for "fourth generation."

Unlike her sisters, Tori has not shared many details about her pregnancy. During a recent visit with the family in Rocky Top, this photo was taken. The siblings are all eager to feel the baby move!

Tori Bates Smith

Photo courtesy of thebatesfamily.com

17 Days!

With Josie and Kelton's wedding just around the corner, Gil and Kelly Bates are scrambling to prepare for their sixth child to walk down the aisle. The big event will take place on October 5th in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Josie and Kelton will each have six people standing up with them on their wedding day. Alyssa Webster is the maid of honor, and the bridesmaids are Katie Bates, Whitney Bates, Carlin Bates, Kelton's sister Ariana, and one other. Bobby Smith is the best man, and the groomsmen are Evan Stewart, Trace Bates, Kelton's brother Grant, and two others.

Josie Bates and Kelton Balka

Utah proposal trip

Photo courtesy of thebatesfamily.com

Gender Reveal for Bates Grandbaby #9

This Thursday on the penultimate episode of Bringing Up Bates season seven, you'll watch footage from the gender reveal party for Tori and Bobby Smith's first child. (Visit our June 21st post to find out if it will be a he or a she.) This baby will be the ninth Bates grandchild, and with many more to come, the family is concerned that they will soon run out of new ideas for gender reveal parties.

Photo/video courtesy of UPv

Judson Turns 8, Brandon Turns 29

Today is the last double Bates birthday of the year. Judson Bates is turning eight, while Brandon Keilen is turning 29.

Jeb Bates and Judson Bates

 

Judson Bates and Callie Bates

Michael Bates Keilen and Brandon Keilen

 

Brandon Keilen and Zoey Webster

 

Brandon Keilen

Skydiving as a 28th birthday present (Michael went at age 18)

Photos courtesy of thebatesfamily.com, brandonandmichaela.com

Bates fan file 734

Only two new episodes of Bringing Up Bates to go before season seven comes to a close. How sad is that? Below is my Bates fan file segment for Thursday's episode.

Photo/video courtesy of UP

Kissing Cousins

Carson Paine, Brooklyn Paine, Kaci Bates, Bradley Bates

"I feel like watching the nieces and nephews is kind of like a playback in our own lives. The only thing we didn't do, is them cousins are kissing all over each other. Bradley is in love with Brookie, and Carson is in love with Kaci."
-Carlin Bates

With the Bates family adding new little ones every year, it's like a flashback to the good old days, when Gil and Kelly Bates had a passel of youngins. In this Bates exclusive video, Carlin Bates and Trace Bates look back on their childhood. They are only 14 months apart and were inseparable as kids!

If you enjoy this blog, be sure to visit Ellie's other blogs (NashvilleWife.com and DuggarFamilyBlog.com).

Photo/video courtesy of UP

'Baby Fever and Proposal Decisions" Recap

Bringing Up Bates “Baby Fever and Proposal Decisions”

• A group called Carpenters For Christ has arrived to help Gil and the boys expand the church. “They like to start really early, so they said, ‘Be out here about 5:30,’” says Gil, chuckling. “Bates time, 5:30 means 5:30pm.” But the Bates know they will need to do better than “Bates time” for this project.
• The three middle boys are thrilled to be part of the building crew. “We got a lot out of this process,” explains Jackson. “We got some blisters, we got really tired, but we got a few learned lessons. It’s fun, and it’s hard work.”
• On the first day, the crew gets a slow start due to some unexpected rain, but after just six days, they are already working on putting up the roof and installing windows. “Only about 15 percent of the guys are skilled…” says Nathan. “The rest of us, this isn’t what we do for a living, but we’re just kind of taking directions from people…”
• After Carpenters For Christ leaves, the Bates still have a lot of work to do, but they are extremely grateful for the progress that has been made.
• Whitney drives 10 minutes over to Erin’s house for a play date. “When I first had Everly, just adjusting to the life with three kids was really hard,” admits Erin. “Now I think it’s getting easier because Carson and Brooklyn are amazing with her.”
• Whitney is hit hard with baby fever when she holds newborn Everly, and Erin completely understands how she feels. “Baby fever is very real and very scary, especially when it’s my wife that has the baby fever,” jokes Chad.
• “I just love these kids growing up together,” says Whitney. “It just makes me so happy.” She states that she really wants a third child but that she is scared, as well.
• Later, Gil and Kelly meet Kelton and his dad, Michael, at their house for an engagement discussion. Gil and Kelly had given Josie and Kelton the yellow light, which Gil had intended to mean “move forward with caution.” But Kelton says that Josie has been putting the pressure on him to propose, although he doesn’t seem to mind.
• “Josie kind of established the parameters when she says she wanted a fall wedding, and not next fall, so I think the boundaries have been set,” laughs Kelly.
• Kelton is considering proposing under the same covered bridge where he asked Josie to begin a courtship, but Kelly gently suggests another idea. Gil and Kelly are planning to take Josie on a birthday trip to Utah, a place Josie has always wanted to visit. “What if you showed up there and surprised her?” Kelly tells Kelton, who is absolutely thrilled.
• When Kelton pulls out the ring, Gil and Kelly are shocked that he is so on top of things. “The [Balka family] is already a step ahead of us,” says Kelly, who thinks the ring is the most beautiful thing she has ever seen.
• As Gil and Kelly leave, Kelton is excited but is also very nervous about planning this big event.  

Bates at the Beach 2018

The Bates love the beach! Ever since their oldest children were young, Gil and Kelly Bates have enjoyed taking family trips to the ocean. This week, some of the members of the family spent time soaking in the sun and sand in Florida.

Carlin Bates

Erin and Chad Paine

Carson Paine, Brooklyn Paine, Everly Paine

Erin Paine and Everly Paine

(That smile, though!)

Photos courtesy of chadanderin.com, Carlin Bates

Cousins, Hard Work, and a Proposal Plan

Tonight is the third-to-last episode of Bringing Up Bates season seven. As we announced last week, the season finale airs on September 27th. A season eight premiere date has not yet been announced, but when it is, we will post it here.

This evening, you can look forward to three Bates storylines. Whitney and Erin enjoy a play date with their kids, which is one of the reasons why they love living only 10 minutes apart.

Kaci Bates, Bradley Bates, Carson Paine

 

While Whitney holds newborn Everly in a full-sized rocking chair, Brooklyn sits in her little rocking chair with her baby doll.

Brooklyn Paine, Whitney Bates, Everly Paine

Meanwhile, Gil and his sons partner with a group called Carpenters For Christ to add an addition to their church. And later, Kelton calls a meeting with his father and Josie's parents to discuss the upcoming proposal.

Photos courtesy of UP