Bates Christmas Trees 2018

Three of the Bates families picked out their Christmas trees this week. Zach and Whitney and the Paines went together, and it was their first year buying real trees. Down in Florida, the Websters carried out their annual Christmas tree excursion with sister Addallee Bates.

Zach Bates, Kaci Bates, Whitney Bates, Brooklyn Paine,

Erin Paine, Carson Paine, Chad Paine, Bradley Bates, Everly Paine

Alyssa Webster, Zoey Webster, Allie Webster,

Lexi Webster, John Webster

Photos courtesy of chadanderin.com, Alyssa and John Webster

The Bates Love Christmas

Carlin Bates, Lawson Bates, Josie Bates, Ellie Bates, 

Callie Bates, Addallee Bates, Jeb Bates, Judson Bates 

Are you in the Christmas spirit yet? It's not quite December, but the Bates are ready for the holiday season to begin. In fact, they put up their outdoor Christmas lights at the end of October. (Do you think that's too early?)

To kick off the advent season, we have a Bates Christmas music video to share, featuring some of the Bates kids singing "Go Tell It On the Mountain." This clip was filmed in December 2015.

Photo/video courtesy of UPtv

Carlin's Wedding Date

Carlin Bates and Evan Stewart were engaged two months ago at Portland Head Lighthouse in Maine. But when will Bates wedding No. 7 take place? As of a week ago, Carlin and Evan had not nailed down a venue, so while they do have a tentative date in mind, they are not sharing it quite yet. But they are thinking spring.

So far, the only spring wedding has been Alyssa and John Webster's (May 24th, 2014). Stay tuned for more information!

Photo courtesy of Carlin Bates

Zach's Season 8 Promo

Thanksgiving has come and gone, which means that Christmas is just weeks away. After Christmas is New Years, and you know what that means, don't you? A brand new season of Bringing Up Bates! New episodes premiere January 3rd on UPtv, and the Bates are thrilled to share footage of all that has happened.

In the promo video below, Zach Bates lists some of the big events that viewers can expect to see, but you can also look forward to plenty of everyday Bates happenings. But why is Zach alone in the clip?

Photo/video courtesy of UPtv

Boho-Chic Winter Styles

A few days ago, I received a package in the mail from @SummerandRose, a boho-chic accessories and lifestyle brand with trends inspired by Venice beach vibes. I am thrilled to be a #summerandrosepartner.

Below are a few examples of the products that #summerandrose has for sale on their website. You can use the code ELLIE20 to receive 20% off your order. It's no secret that the older Bates sisters are fashionistas, and the majority of them noticeably embrace the "boho-chic" look.

Nourishing body oil, free of sulfates and parabens...

Half moon wristlet clutch purse...

Fuzzy socks--because cozy feet are a must during winter...

And the best for last--a gray and black felt fedora hat and cream-colored Hayden scarf...

Bates Thanksgiving Snapshots 2018

As they do every year, most of the Bates clan gathered at Papa Bill and Mama Jane's farm in Honea Path, South Carolina, to celebrate Thanksgiving with the extended Bates. Even the Websters came up from Florida. Below are a few snapshots from their gathering.

The Websters

Alyssa Bates Webster, John Webster, 

Allie Webster, Zoey Webster, Lexi Webster

 

The Paines

Carson Paine, Brooklyn Paine, Erin Bates Paine,

Chad Paine, Everly Paine

 

Lawson Bates and Allie Webster

Photos courtesy of Alyssa and John Webster, chadanderin.com, lawsonbates.com

Happy Thanksgiving, Blog Readers!

Wishing our American readers a very happy and blessed Thanksgiving holiday.

John Turns 29

Today, the Bates are gathered in Honea Path, South Carolina, with Gil's extended family. But before they enjoy their Thanksgiving meal, they first must celebrate John Webster's 29th birthday. Happy birthday, John!

Alyssa Webster and John Webster, May 2018

 

Alyssa and John, 2015

Photos courtesy of Alyssa and John Webster

Kade Nears His Due Date

Kade Smith

 

Kade is 11 days old but still four days away from his due date. Taryn Yager, the Bates' photographer friend who has taken photos for various members of the family on multiple occasions, drove to Nashville this afternoon to snap newborn pictures for the Smiths.

In case you've been in Bates withdrawal since season seven ended, we are including an especially adorable photo of Kade above. (It's not one of Taryn's snapshots--those have not yet been edited.) Only six weeks to go until new episodes of Bringing Up Bates return to UPtv!

Photo courtesy of Tori and Bobby Smith

Thanksgiving as Told by Brandon

American Thanksgiving is coming up in just two days, and as you may know, the Bates have a tradition of spending the holiday with Gil's side of the family.

Four years ago, back when Michael Keilen was Michael Bates and she and Brandon were not yet engaged, Brandon shared a video with the extended Bates clan. Using his artistic talents, he created a time lapse video of himself sketching the story of Thanksgiving. The family was blown away. Below is a Bringing Up Bates video that shows clips of Brandon's time lapse, as well as the Bates' reactions.

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

Photo/video courtesy of UPtv

Josie's New Decor

With help from a decorator friend, new bride Josie Balka has been spending the past couple weeks decorating the apartment where she and Kelton live. Josie and her friend were able to save money by purchasing discount decorations at craft stores like Hobby Lobby, as well as using various materials to make some of their own.

Below is a photo of Josie sitting in the living room. Based on what you know about her from the Bringing Up Bates, is this how you would have pictured her style when it comes to home decorating?

Josie (Bates) Balka

Photo courtesy of Josie and Kelton Balka

Kade and His Smith Grandparents

After we shared snapshots of some of the Bates with newborn Kade Smith, several of our readers asked if Bobby's parents have been able to visit him and if we would be able to post photos. While our blog is primarily focused on the Bates family and their reality TV show, we are happy to fulfill your request. Bobby's mom and dad were able to make the trip up to Tennessee, and as you can tell, they are thrilled to meet their first grandchild.

Bobby Smith, Sheri Smith (Bobby's mom), Kade Smith

Robert Smith (Bobby's dad) and Kade Smith

Photos courtesy of Tori and Bobby Smith

First Video of Kade

Kade Smith is only a few days old, and he has already figured out how to place his hands on his pacifier to hold it in! UPtv just posted a 20-second video of the little man showing off his new skill. You can view it below.


Photo courtesy of UPtv

Smith Family, Part of 3

Tori Smith, Bobby Smith, Robert "Kade" Ellis Smith IV

Tori and Bobby Smith are still on cloud nine after the arrival of their first child, Kade Smith. We posted a few unofficial snapshots from Bates family members earlier this week, but UPtv has just shared its official baby announcement and photos.

When a new Bates grandchild is added to the fold, proud grandparents Gil and Kelly Bates are never far away. They were eager to visit the family of three at St. Thomas Hospital in Nashville.

We know you are all eager to hear the details of the birth, but those have not yet been released. The Smiths' plan was to deliver in one of the hospital's state-of-the-art birthing center rooms under the care of a doctor. However, the final decision on whether a candidate qualifies for the birthing center or must utilize one of the regular labor and delivery rooms is made by hospital staff once labor has begun, based on availability and medical requirements. Additional photos can be found on the UPtv website.

Gil Bates, Tori (Bates) Smith, Kade Smith, Bobby Smith, Kelly Bates

Photos courtesy of UPtv

First Photos of Kade

In case you haven't heard, Kade Smith is here! Details on his November 9th arrival can be found in the post we shared earlier today. Below are a few snapshots of the 9th Bates grandchild. He is only three days old and has already had plenty of visitors.

Evan Stewart, Carlin Bates, Tori Smith, Kade Smith, Bobby Smith

Robert Ellis Smith IV (aka Kade)

Tori (Bates) Smith and Kade Smith

Photos courtesy of Tori and Bobby Smith; thebatesfamily.com; Carlin Bates

Welcome, Baby Kade!

We have some exciting news to share. Tori and Bobby Smith are officially parents! The couple welcomed Robert Ellis Smith IV on Friday, November 9th, at 7:45am. That also happened to be sister Alyssa Webster's 24th birthday!

The newest Bates family member weighed 6lbs, 1oz and was 18 inches long. He arrived 15 days ahead of his November 24th due date. Looks like Tori is following in the footsteps of sister Erin Paine, who has delivered all three of her babies early.

As we shared several months ago, the baby's nickname will be Kade Smith. People Magazine has the exclusive story and photos.

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

Season 8 Promo Shoot

Today, the majority of the Bates clan gathered with the crew to shoot promotional material for Bringing Up Bates season eight. The new season is scheduled to premiere on January 3rd, 2019. Meanwhile, Alyssa and John Webster are spending Alyssa's birthday weekend on a romantic getaway in Daytona Beach.

Erin and Chad Paine; Everly Paine, Carson Paine, Brooklyn Paine

Photo courtesy of chadanderin.com

Bates #6 Turns 24

Happy 24th birthday to Alyssa (Bates) Webster! As the sixth oldest of Gil and Kelly Bates' 19 children, she is known for being well organized and always put together. She and John married in 2014 and have three daughters.

In the past, they have stated that they like the idea of having six children, but last Thanksgiving during a conversation with Mama Jane, Alyssa mentioned that if she ends up with four girls, she definitely plans to stop. "It’s the drama," she told her grandma. "I can’t handle it." It will certainly be fun to watch and see if any of the Bates follow in their parents' footsteps and have a "super-sized" family.

Alyssa and John Webster

Valentine's Day (aka I Love You Day) 2016

Alyssa and John Webster

Bahamas cruise, fall 2017

 

John Webster, Zoey Webster, Lexi Webster, Alyssa Webster, Allie Webster

September 2018

Photos courtesy of thebatesfamily.com, Alyssa and John Webster

Bates at the Duggar-Burnett Wedding

Five years ago, John-David Duggar was a groomsman in Zach and Whitney Bates' wedding, so when John married Abbie Burnett last Saturday, it only made sense that Zach would be part of the wedding party. Below is a snapshot that Zach and Whitney took with the bride and groom. For more Duggar-Burnett wedding details, visit our Duggar blog.

Abbie (Burnett) Duggar, John-David Duggar, Zach Bates, Whitney Bates

Photo courtesy of Zach and Whitney Bates

Lawson Sings the National Anthem

Kaci Bates, "Smokey," Bradley Bates, Lawson Bates

 

Are you a college basketball fan? The Bates are! Yesterday was opening night, and Lawson Bates had the honor of singing the National Anthem at the University of Tennessee's Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville. And this isn't the first time that Lawson has shared his musical talents with Tennessee sports fans. Below is a video of his performance in February 2016.

It turned out to be a great night for the Vols and the Bates. The Vols beat Lenoir-Rhyne, and Lawson had the cutest supporters on the block (see photo above).

Photo courtesy of Zach and Whitney Bates; video courtesy of lawsonbates.com

The Well-Dressed Websters

Alyssa Webster's passion for fashion is evident in the way she dresses herself and her three daughters. This family of five loves putting on their Sunday best for church each week. They also really enjoy matching, as most of you have probably noticed.

John Webster, Zoey Webster, Lexi Webster,

Alyssa Webster, Allie Webster

Photo courtesy of Alyssa and John Webster

Erin and Katie...Twins?

In honor of Erin and Chad Paine's anniversary, below is an adorable photo of the two of them. We did a double-take when we saw the picture because Erin looks so much like Katie. Do you agree? Although they are almost 10 years apart, Erin and Katie might just be able to pass for twins.

Erin Paine and Chad Paine

 

Katie Bates and Trace Bates

Photos courtesy of chadanderin.com, Trace Bates

Paines Celebrate 5 Years

Wishing Erin and Chad Paine a very happy 5th wedding anniversary! Below are a few photos from their marriage, as well as a video featuring footage from their engagement. Do you remember watching the Paines' wedding on 19 Kids and Counting (season 8, "Wedding Bells")?

Erin and Chad Paine before kids

Erin Paine, Chad Paine, Carson Paine

May 14, 2015

Erin and Chad Paine

Season 7, Bringing Up Bates

Brooklyn Paine, Chad Paine, Erin Paine, Everly Paine, Carson Paine

September 2018

Photos courtesy of chadanderin.com, UPtv; Video courtesy of UPtv