The Giggly Bates Bunch

Michael Keilen

"...It was definitely a humiliating time, and I don't think any of us older kids there forgot it."
-Michaela Keilen

"My parents have always focused, not as much on the sound of the music, but [on] the joyful part and the good attitude and encouraging people, which is great. But a lot of times we would mess up."
-Lawson Bates

UPtv has a new web exclusive Bates video series called Bates Legends. You'll enjoying hearing the Bates siblings tell entertaining stories from their childhood, like this one about something that happened while they were singing at a nursing home.

Photo/video courtesy of UPtv

Bradley Turns 5

Another day, another Bates birthday, and this one is a big milestone. The eldest Bates grandchild is five years old. Happy birthday, Bradley!

Whitney Bates and Bradley Bates

September 2019

 

 

Kaci Bates, Whitney Bates, Zach Bates, Bradley Bates

Easter 2018

Whitney Bates, Bradley Bates, Zach Bates

Fall 2017

Bradley Bates, Zach Bates, Kaci Bates

September 2016

 

Bradley Bates

Newborn, 2014

 Photos courtesy of Zach and Whitney Bates

Bates Fall Getaway 2019

The Bates family 

Gatlinburg, TN, October 2019

The Bates family loves spending time in Gatlinburg! They were there this weekend for a short family getaway. If you look closely at the family photo, you'll see Katie's friend Travis.

Bradley Bates, Carson Paine, Kade Smith, Everly Paine

 

Kelton Balka and Willow Balka

 

Chaney and Trace

 

Callie Bates and Jeb Bates

Photos courtesy of Gil and Kelly Bates, Josie and Kelton Balka, Zach and Whitney Bates, 

Bates Family Fall Vacation 2019

Alyssa and John Webster

 

The Bates are on vacation! The super-sized family, including the Websters from Florida, are gathered in Gatlinburg, located less than two hours from their hometown of Rocky Top, Tennessee. They are enjoying some time together, with the breathtaking Smoky Mountains as their backdrop, and the film crew is present. Trace's girlfriend, Chaney, also came into town for the trip. Late October and early November is considered one of the best times to visit the Smokies because the fall colors are in full bloom.

Today also happens to be Kelly Jo Bates' 53rd birthday. What a great way to celebrate. Happy birthday, Kelly!

Photo courtesy of John and Alyssa Webster

Chad's Boutique?

Bates Sisters Boutique Business Planning Meeting

At Zach and Whitney's house

Zach Bates: "Erin, it sounds to me like Chad is running the dress shop."

Chad Paine: "I will help for the first couple weeks, and then you guys are smooth sailing."

Erin, Carlin, and Whitney are the face of the Bates Sisters Boutique, but their husbands, especially Chad, all play key roles in the business. Even some of the other Bates have helped with various tasks. It's definitely a family affair!


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

Photo/video courtesy of UPtv

'New Beginnings' Recap

Bringing Up Bates "New Beginnings"

• The idea of some of the Bates ladies starting a boutique had been thrown around for a while, until Carlin finally decided to give it a go. Erin and Whitney were eager to join the venture.
• Chad, Erin, Whitney, Zack, and Carlin get together to discuss the Bates Sisters Boutique. They have applied for a business license and are working on the website. When the topic of the return policy comes up, Erin is embarrassed to admit that she once wore a dress with the tag on and then returned it. “That’s probably not very honorable,” she admits. “I took good care of it.”
• “One of my biggest things for the business is to help other young moms and girls find dresses that are affordable but also comfortable and stylish," says Erin. "Carlin, of course, and Whitney are more stylish than I would be considered. I am more about comfort."
• Kelly takes Addie, Ellie, and Callie to the high ropes course at Ijams Nature Center. Kelly has been very busy with Carlin‘s wedding, and she wants to spend some quality time with her younger girls. “I’m not very adventurous, but I will do anything for my kids,” she says.
• “There’s a lot of ways you can describe my mom,” says Lawson. “Very adventurous when it comes to seeing things, scenic places, but some of those adrenaline rush things, not her cup of tea.”
• The ladies do great on the easy course. “There was one little moment where Callie started getting nervous,” says Kelly. “She started getting scared. Then she started panicking.” Kelly and the sisters encourage her, and she is able to push through and enjoy the rest of the outing.
• But then Kelly starts freaking out. “The girls were really patient with me, but I was determined to do it just for them,” says Kelly.
• The Bates appreciate their mom's can-do attitude. "It is super fun when our mom takes us out somewhere because she doesn't just sit back," says Addallee. "Whatever you do, she'll do it with you."
• "Well I'm really proud that my wife is willing to do things that are very uncomfortable for her and scary for her just because she loves the kids," says Gil. "She wants to be the mom that's there for every kid for everything they do."
• Carlin and Evan are honored that their wedding shower is the first official event in the new church building. The parents and grandparents each share a word of marriage advice. Kelly encourages them to continue holding hands, hugging, and kissing, even when they're married. Gil tells them to always put the other person first. Denese Stewart urges them to kiss goodnight and cautions them against going to bed angry. Paul Stewart reminds them to continue going on dates. Everyone laughs when Papa Bill tells Evan to listen to Carlin. "Just remember this: If she's not happy, you're not going to have a good time."
• The most thoughtful gift is from the mother of one of Carlin's piano students. It's a painting of Portland Head Light, the Maine lighthouse where Evan proposed.
• "Watching my family standing around in the room and all of them working and taking their time to invest in our lives, there's nothing like it," Carlin says, with sincerity.
• The episode ends with the dedication service at the new church building. "Our hearts were just overflowing with gratefulness," says Kelly. Evan's family is present, and they sing for the congregation before Gil begins to preach.
• "It's amazing how God, since it's His church, has been involved doing some miraculous things, says Gil. Having a building for his flock to call home is a dream come true for Gil.

Tonight: New Beginnings

Tonight on Bringing Up Bates, it's all about new beginnings. Erin Paine, Whitney Bates, and Carlin Bates are getting ready to launch their online boutique, but there are a lot of tasks to check off their list before the webstore goes live.

Later, the Bates' new church building is finally complete, and they hold their special dedication service. The congregation is incredibly thankful for God's faithfulness throughout the project.

In TV time, it won't be long before Carlin and Evan say "I do," so it's time to gather their family and friends for a wedding shower. But the party quickly becomes emotional, as another Bates child will soon be leaving the nest.

With so many of her children entering adulthood and going out into the world, Kelly doesn't want to neglect the little ones who are still at home. She plans an outing for Addallee, Ellie, and Callie that won't quickly be forgotten. The show starts at 9pm ET/8pm CT, only on UPtv.

 Photos courtesy of UPtv

Three Amigas

To brighten your Wednesday, we wanted to share a new photo of Alyssa Webster and her three adorable little girls, who are four, two, and one. The Websters will be traveling to Tennessee this weekend to visit the rest of the Bates clan.

Allie Webster, Zoey Webster, Alyssa Webster, Lexi Webster

Photo courtesy of Alyssa and John Webster

Kelly Conquers Her Fear

Kelly Bates

Conquering the high ropes course

"Remind me to pick something easier for our day out together next time, like ice cream or something. I think I'm dying."
-Kelly Bates

The Bates mom loves making memories with her kids, even if it means doing activities that she wouldn't otherwise choose to do. You've probably heard her mention her fear of heights on the show, and but on Thursday's episode, she's willing to conquer that fear to spend time with her girls (video preview below).


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

Photo/video courtesy of UPtv

Tori and Bobby Share their News

Have you heard the exciting news from Tori and Bobby Smith? We shared last week that they are expecting their second son, and his name is Kolter Grey. Check out this video of the happy couple sharing their announcement.

Photo courtesy of Taryn Yager, UPtv; video courtesy of UPtv

Brandon's New Book

Brandon Keilen is a published author! He just released his first book, The Quest Of Quinton: The Mystery of the Golden Scroll. The story is set in the medieval era and is written for youth. Michaela has cheered Brandon on from the moment he started the project three years ago. She was actually the one who encouraged him to write a book.

You can purchase the book, as well as baby blankets made by Michaela, on be Keilens’ brand new web store, KeilenCorner.com.

Photo courtesy of keilencorner.com

Kelly Does the Chicken Dance

Kelly demonstrates the chicken dance

Callie Bates: "Mom's favorite dance is definitely the chicken dance."
Erin Paine: "Mom, I feel like that's too much hip."


Here's a little tidbit that you probably didn't know about Kelly Bates. She loves the chicken dance! Her kids have memories of her dancing like a chicken throughout their childhood. In this web exclusive video, the Bates mama demonstrates her skills.

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

Photo/video courtesy of UPtv

The 14th Bates Grandchild

Bates babies galore! You’ve already heard that three granddaughters will be added to the family by next spring--due in November, December, and February. But the girl trend is about to end. Someone is pregnant with a boy! Who are the lucky parents? Tori and Bobby Smith. Tori is due in April 2020 with her second son, Kolter Grey. When the baby arrives, older brother Kade will be about 17 months old. Additional photos and a quote from the couple can be found on the UPtv website.

Bobby Smith, Tori Smith, Kade Smith

Photos courtesy of Taryn Yager, UPtv

Chasing Chaney

Trace Bates

"I think both of them would say they're not looking to rush into any relationship, but Trace keeps planning visits, and Chaney keeps visiting."
-Kelly Bates

So what's the deal with Trace and Chaney? In this web exclusive from last night's episode, Trace shares what he sees in Chaney, and some of the other family members offer their thoughts on the budding relationship.

Photo/video courtesy of UPtv

'Shall We Dance?' Recap

Bringing Up Bates "Shall We Dance?"

• In Louisville, Tennessee, Chad, Erin, and Trace arrive at the home of clients Emily and Eric Cochron. They are designing a baby nursery. “Any time me and Chad are working together, we’re in our element,” says Erin.
• The goal is to create a cute but practical nursery. “Decor and practical going together is like sweet tea on a hot, summer day,” says Chad.
• “I think Erin, sometimes, in her love for what she does, could easily bite off more than Chad could chew,” says Zach.
• When they return a couple weeks later, they unveil the finished room, which includes a pine accent wall built by Chad. The Cochrons are very happy.
• At Campbell County Airport, Nathan is reminding Katie how to do a pre-flight inspection of the airplane.  “I love learning new things,” says Katie. “I’m always trying to do everything I can that’s productive with my free time, so Nathan has been encouraging me to work on a pilot’s license, and I have been working on it, in between cosmetology and everything else going on. It was kind of just spur of the moment.”
• Most of the Bates agree that Katie isn’t a great driver on the road, so they are nervous about her flying an airplane.
• “Nathan is an incredible flight instructor,” says Katie. “He is very patient, but he also puts a lot of confidence in me, and I don’t know that I’m ready for that…”
• Katie successfully takes off and then goes over the procedures for a stall. “So basically, we put all of the power into the plane and point the nose to the sky,” says Katie. She ends up doing flips in the sky.
• “…I love flying, but it is a lot more complicated than driving a car, so it is going to take a lot of practice and a lot of hard work,” says Katie.
• Later, Gil, Kelly, and Carlin take Evan, Erin, and Chad to the dance studio for a group lesson. “You’re going to love this,” Gil tells the newbies. “It’s going to be so fun.”
• “I’m a little nervous about the dancing because I don’t want to open up the can of worms that any kind of dancing, anywhere, in any atmosphere, with anybody is something we think is okay,” says Gil “However, a daddy daughter dance, a husband and wife dance, I think can be sweet, sentimental, and romantic in the right setting.”
• At Josie and Kelton’s apartment in Powell, Tennessee, the Smiths are over for a visit. Kelton and Bobby return from work, as Bobby is now working with Kelton. The guys encourage the girls to go out to dinner so Bobby and Kade can show Kelton the ropes of being a dad. Kade is a very calm baby. “Take as long as you want, but hurry back,” Bobby jokes.
• Bobby shows Kelton how to change a dirty diaper. “It’s honestly right down my line of work,” says Kelton, laughing. “Leak prevention, that’s what I’m all about.”
• Josie is in her second trimester and is no longer sick. “I’m ready to be done already,” she tells Tori over dinner at Aubrey’s.

Bates #14 Turns 15

Isaiah Courage Bates, number 14 in the Bates family lineup, is 15 years old today. Happy birthday, Isaiah!

Isaiah Bates and Kaci Bates

April 2018

Isaiah Bates and Meema
December 2018

Isaiah Bates
November 2017

Carlin Bates, Isaiah Bates, Josie Bates, Lawson Bates

Easter 2016

Photos courtesy of thebatesfamily.com

Flying with Katie

Nathan Bates takes Katie Bates flying

"Katie is a really academics driven person, and she's very smart. She's really good at school. She's good with numbers, she's great with studying. So when Katie decided to become a pilot, I was surprised, but I think my family was surprised even more."
-Nathan Bates

Tomorrow on a new episode of Bringing Up Bates, you'll watch another one of the Bates siblings learn to fly a plane. Did you ever imagine that Katie would want to become a pilot? Neither did the Bates family (video below).

Photo/video courtesy of UPtv

Designing with the Paines

Chad and Erin Paine

Erin Paine: "...Up until this point, I've kind of just done design projects for friends and family, just for fun cause I really enjoy it. Actually doing it for a job is exciting, just because I can't believe people would actually pay me to do something like that."

Chad Paine: "I can believe it."

In this video, a preview of Thursday's new episode of Bringing Up Bates, Erin and Chad Paine meet with a client to discuss the design project that they will be doing. The client is a couple that would like the Paines to renovate their baby's nursery. As you can imagine, Erin and Chad are tickled to be working together.

Photo/video courtesy of UPtv

Don't Hate Your Neighbor

Gil and Kelly Bates

Kelly Bates: "People wake up and say they love the smell of coffee. I smell it and go, eww."
Zach Bates: "I could probably make world peace right now. Just throw your coffee out, straight for hot chocolate. World peace."

In a new Bates Around the World video, some of the Bates family members try a new type of coffee and have to guess what country it's from. As always, their reactions are entertaining.

Photo/video courtesy of UPtv

Bates Dad v. Bates Kiddos

"The older crew, they're standing by, waiting for me to tell them what to do. The younger crew, I'm having to go find them because they're already doing something I didn't want them to do."
-Gil Bates

In this web exclusive from last night's episode (be sure to read our recap) Gil takes the kiddos to the new church building. His hope is to have them help him with a few things, but keeping them in line proves to be a difficult task (video below). Do you think they are goofing off more than they would with Kelly around?

Photo/video courtesy of UPtv

'A Baby Grand Plan' Recap

Bringing Up Bates "A Baby Grand Plan"

• Kelly, Carlin, Erin, Carson, and Everly go back to Castleton Farms, the wedding venue that Carlin has chosen. They bring Kim, the Bates’ trusty wedding coordinator. The venue owners were able to work out a price that the Bates can afford.
• “My biggest question is always the one that Carlin doesn’t want me to ask,” says Kelly. “What about the rain? Is there a backup plan?” The woman giving the tour assures them that the venue has two indoor spaces.
• “The thing that I’m most excited about…is seeing my little girl’s dreams come true,” Kelly says, tearing up.
• Gil and Kelly arrive to help Tori and Bobby pack up their Nashville apartment. “I am super excited about moving back with the family and being around them,” says Tori. “I miss them, and a lot is going on right now, and I was missing out on all of it.”
• “We have always dreamed that our children would live close to us, and we’re getting the news that three out of the four out-of-town couples may be coming home, and my heart is just full,” says Kelly. “I’m looking forward to some one-on-one granny time with Kade.”
• “The year that God gave us in Nashville was absolutely incredible,” says Bobby. “My number one goal is to be just everything I can for my wife and my little boy and the family that God has given us.”
• When Gil brings the 16-foot, do-it-yourself moving truck that the Smiths have reserved, some of the family members think it’s way too small, and others think there will be plenty of space. Gil, the master-packer who used to work at UPS, gets to work. “We have a secret weapon,” says Bobby, referring to Gil.
• Gil starts to doubt himself, but he successfully fits everything in the truck…barely.
• Later, Gil and some of the kids show off the new church building, which is almost ready for services. “Music has always played a huge part in my family, and for Dad’s church, the piano really is his number one instrument right now,” says Erin.
• Everyone is thrilled when piano movers deliver the baby grand that Gil chose for the church. “It’s exactly the one we’ve been praying for for like six years,” he says. Gil tears up as Callie plays a beautiful song. He leads the kids in a prayer thanking God for the instrument and asking Him to use it for His glory.
• Erin was previously the church pianist, but she now plays for another church. Carlin has filled the role, and Kelly hopes that she will pass the torch to Callie one day.
• Carlin, along with some of the girls, go up to Kentucky to have Renee alter her wedding dress.
• “You would think that when a girl finds her dream dress, that, hey it’s the dream dress, it’s perfect, but along with that comes alterations and fixing things and changing things” says Whitney. “If it doesn’t fit just right, it just doesn’t work, and guys don’t understand that.”
• “Take that same statement and substitute dress for husband,” says Zach, chuckling. “Get ready, Evan!”