The 11th Bates wedding is in the works! Trace proposed to Lydia on March 21st, and Us Weekly broke the story today. The couple announced their relationship in early December. Congratulations to the future Mr. and Mrs. Bates! If they wed before October, that will be the fourth Bates wedding in less than 12 months.
Photo courtesy of @tracewbates
March used to be one of only two months in which there were no Bates birthdays. Now, with the addition of grandchildren and in-laws, there are five birthdays in March. The first is Travis on the 8th. In 2018, Zoey Webster arrived March 28th, followed by Everly Paine on March 30th. Kolter Smith was born March 25, 2020, and Zade Stewart arrived four days ago (March 27th).
Fun fact: June is the other month that used to have no Bates birthdays. Now, June has four grandchildren birthdays (Kaci Bates, Hazel Balka, Charlotte Smith, and Jadon Bates).
The 20th Bates grandchild has arrived safe and sound, and we have a photo to share! Zade Patrick Stewart went home yesterday, but while he was in the hospital, a number of family members and friends were able to visit him, including Aunt Michael.
Photo courtesy of @brandon_michael_jn15
Carlin and Evan Stewart announced the name of their son. They will call him Zade Patrick Stewart. Big congratulations to the couple!
Photo courtesy of thebatesfamily.com
This morning, we shared that Carlin and Evan Stewart had arrived at the hospital. Here's an update: Baby Boy Stewart has been born! His name has not yet been revealed, nor have any photos been made public, but we will let you know when all of that is released.
Photo courtesy of @carlinbates98
Kolter Smith turned two years old yesterday. The Bates already have three grandchildren birthdays to celebrate at the end of March (Kolter, Zoey, and Everly). If Carlin delivers her son before the end of the month, that will be a fourth.
Photo courtesy of thebatesfamily.com
Last October, Lawson convinced Tiffany to travel to Italy to film a music video. He end up filming the video, but he also pulled off a surprise proposal. And to top it all off, that proposal is featured in the music video. Pretty unique, isn't it? The official music video for "Crazy Love" just released, and People Magazine posted an article featuring an interview with Lawson.
Photo courtesy of lawsonbates.com
Lawson and Tiffany's House: Demo Day 1
Photo courtesy of lawsonbates.com
Nathan Bates is on the ground in war-torn Ukraine with the organization MEDIC CORPS. He and others are working to provide medical supplies, humanitarian aid, and trauma training. The team is currently in the capital city of Kyiv. To partner with them, consider praying for their efforts and their safety, as well as making a donation through the MEDIC CORPS website.
Lawson just released the official lyric video for "Crazy Love," one of the songs on his album American Dream. The link to the YouTube video is below.
Lawson chatted with Taste of Country to get the word out. In the interview, he shares how the song came to be and also talks about his role in wedding planning.
Photo courtesy of thebatesfamily.com
Carlin Stewart's April 9th due date is quickly approaching. She is currently scheduled for an induction at the end of the month, but as everyone knows, babies arrive on their own time, so perhaps Baby Boy Stewart will make his appearance early. After all, big sister Layla arrived well ahead of her due date.
Carlin continues to work hard at the boutique with Whitney and Mama B (Kelly). Be sure to check out the Bates Sisters Boutique's Easter line.
Photo courtesy of @carlinbates98
Happy birthday to Travis! How special to be able to celebrate his 21st with his wife of three months.
Photo courtesy of @kgbates2000
Lawson and Tiffany's San Diego wedding is just over two months away! Over the weekend, they celebrated their upcoming nuptials with those closest to them at a shower thrown by the Bates family. Tiffany's family was able to travel to Tennessee for the event.
Photo courtesy of thebatesfamily.com
This year, the Bates celebrated I Love You Day without UPtv cameras. (We know how much you all miss the show...we do too!) The theme was Bible characters. The Balkas dressed up as Jonah, the whale, and sea creatures (adorable photo below). Alyssa and John posted footage to their YouTube account.
Past themes have included chivalry, animals/Noah's ark, growing old together, down on the farm, and the roaring '20s.
Photo courtesy of @josie_balka
At the Bates' I Love You Day party in 2020, Gil and Kelly introduced a new award, and it quickly became an important part of the annual gathering. Lawson was the recipient in 2020, and Michael received it in 2021. This year, Warden and Isaiah received the biggest heart award. According to Kelly, they have both worked very hard over the past year and have spent a ton of time helping siblings with renovation projects.
Photo courtesy of @wardenjbates