Florida Bound

It has been a bittersweet Christmas for the Bates family, as they said goodbye to Erin and Chad Paine and their five kids, who are following God's call to start a new life in Florida. After months of planning and waiting, the Paines are all packed up and on their way.

Assumptions about Katie and Travis

Katie and Travis Clark just released a YouTube video where they discuss assumptions that fans have about them (link below). Did they get pregnant earlier than they wanted to? How many kids do they want? Do they use birth control? 

Katie and Travis: Addressing Assumptions About Us Part 1

Photo courtesy of @kgbates2000

Webster Baby #5 Gender Reveal

Today was a big day for the Webster clan. They found out the gender of Baby #5 and announced it to the world! After four girls, Alyssa and John have only ever had girl names picked out, so you can imagine their surprise when they found out that it's a BOY! You can watch the family reveal the news in their most recent YouTube video.

Welcome Baby Kenna

She's here! Nathan and Esther Bates welcomed Kenna Joy Bates on October 17th. Gil and Kelly and a few other Bates family members, including Lawson and Tiffany, have already traveled to Northwest Arkansas to meet the new addition.

Photo courtesy of @natebates93

Trace and Lydia's Wedding

The 11th Bates wedding is in the books! Trace Bates married Lydia Romeike yesterday, October 1st, in Jefferson City, Tennessee. The ceremony took place in front of a beautiful lake, with Erin on the keyboard and Tori on violin. The bride had six ladies on her side, three of whom were Bates daughters--Josie, Addee, and Ellie. The groom had seven on his side, including three of his brothers--Warden, Jackson, and Isaiah. 

Family and friends of the couple celebrated at a reception at a local church. Following a sparkler sendoff, Trace and Lydia jetted off in a decorated truck. They will honeymoon in Hawaii. People Magazine has the official photos and additional details. 

Baby Clark's Name

Katie and Travis Clark announced the name of their baby girl! She is due March 4th, and her name will be Hailey James Clark. James is Travis' middle name and is the name of other Clark family members. The expectant parents posted a YouTube video sharing the name and showing a road trip to Tennessee in their new car. 

A Very Unique Gender Reveal

This might just be the most unique, edge-of-your-seat gender reveal that you will ever see. Katie and Travis Clark were joined by loved ones in New Jersey this weekend to find out the gender of their baby. The reveal involved a race...in the pool! Guests watched as pink and blue duked it out and tried to be the first to make it to the other side (video below).

Video: Katie and Travis' Unique Gender Reveal

Photo courtesy of @kgbates2000

Baby Clark is a...

Katie and Travis Clark gathered with loved ones yesterday near their New Jersey home to reveal the gender of their baby...a girl! Some of the Bates traveled from Tennessee for the occasion, including Gil and Kelly, Michael Keilen, and the Stewarts. Katie is 15 weeks pregnant. 

Photo courtesy of @kgbates2000

Webster Baby...#5?

 

Alyssa Webster and John Webster, 2021

Alyssa and John Webster just dropped some incredibly exciting news. They are preparing to welcome another member into their family! Well, technically two members because they are also getting a dog. That's right, Alyssa is pregnant with Baby #5! Will it be a boy or a girl? Stay tuned to find out. 

Video: Alyssa and John Tell the Girls their News

Photo courtesy @websterforever

Announcing Baby Clark

Did you see our post yesterday? Katie (Bates) Clark is pregnant! She and Travis just posted a YouTube video that shows the moments when Katie found out and then told Travis, as well as the reveals for both sets of grandparents (link below). Baby Clark is due late February/early March 2023.

Video: Katie finds out she's pregnant and announces

Baby Clark on the Way

Babies, babies, babies! Tori delivered Cambree just five days ago, and another Bates followed with a pregnancy announcement. Who are the expectant parents? Katie and Travis Clark! The couple tied the knot in December 2021, and their first child is on the way. They haven't shared the due date but have said that their baby is due in 2023. 

 

Katie and Travis Clark

Photo courtesy of @kgbates2000

Welcome Baby Cambree!

Tori and Bobby Smith welcomed their fourth child this week. Cambree Layne Smith was born August 2nd, 2022. She weighed 5 lbs 2 oz, which makes her the lightest of Tori's babies thus far. Kade (November 2018) weighed 6 lbs 1 oz. Kolter (March 2020) weighed 6 lbs 6 oz. And Charlotte Raine (June 2021) weighed 5 lbs 11 oz. Until Kade's birthday on November 9th, Tori and Bobby will have four children under the age of four. 

 

Tori Smith, Kolter Smith, Charlotte Smith

Photo courtesy of @bobby_torilayne_smith

Webster Ladies in TN

 

Alyssa Webster and Kelly Bates

Earlier this month, Alyssa Webster and her four girls made the trek up to Tennessee to spend some quality time with the family. Alyssa posted two YouTube videos sharing some of the highlights of their trip (links below). The second video features Jana Duggar, as well as Jackson's girlfriend.

The Webster Family: Our Amazing Family Time

The Webster Family: We Made Him SO HAPPY

Photo courtesy of Instagram @websterforever; YouTube @theWebsterfamily

Jackson's Girlfriend?

News of a new Bates relationship is likely just around the corner. 20-year-old Jackson Bates teased on his social media that he has a special lady in his life. Who do you think she is?

July 4th in South Carolina

For the Bates family, spending Independence Day in South Carolina is a tradition, and this year was no different. Gil and Kelly Bates and a number of their children, including some of the married couples and grandchildren, visited Papa Bill and Mama Jane at their peaceful farm in Honea Path. Papa Bill and Kelton Balka also celebrate their birthdays on July 4th.

 

Gil Bates, Papa Bill, Kelly Bates

Photo courtesy of thebatesfamily.com/@thebatesfam

Big Plans for the Stewarts' Old Place

You've likely heard that Carlin and Evan Stewart just moved into their new place. They moved out of a rental and into their first purchased home. Their rental is owned by some friends, and it will soon be inhabited by another Bates couple...Trace and Lydia. Now that the Stewarts have vacated, Trace will use his construction skills to do some renovations (link to their video is below). Lydia plans to move in soon and will be joined by Trace after their October 1st wedding.

Trace and Lydia's Future Home

Stewarts Move In

Carlin and Evan Stewart have officially moved into their new home! They purchased it back in April and have since spent many hours working on it. Over the weekend, they moved everything out of their rental house, where they have lived since their wedding three years ago, and into their new place. 

Video: Stewarts Pack Up

 

Layla Stewart and Zade Stewart

Photo courtesy of @carlinbates98, @evanpstewart16

Baby Girl Bates

As most of you know, Nathan and Esther Bates are expecting a baby in October. They just announced the gender… It’s a girl, and her name will be Kenna Joy Bates. The link to the gender reveal video will be posted soon. 

Granny and PawPaw Visit Florida

Once upon a time, Alyssa was the only Bates child who lived outside of Knoxville, but now, a handful of Gil and Kelly's kids live in other places. Erin and Chad will soon be added to that number when they move their family to Florida. The parents of 19 are going to be kept busy vising all their children (and growing number of grandchildren) who live far away!

Last week, Gil and Kelly (aka Granny and PawPaw) spent a few days in the Orlando area with the Websters. 

Photo courtesy of @websterforever

Lawson and Tiffany's Honeymoon

Lawson and Tiffany became Mr. and Mrs. Bates one month ago. They took off on an international honeymoon to an undisclosed location, followed by a cross-country road trip from San Diego to their new home in Nashville, Tennessee. They newlyweds are posting never-before-seen honeymoon footage to YouTube today. Those of you who guessed that they went to Greece were correct! You can tune in to their video (link below) starting at 12pm CT/1pm ET.

Lawson and Tiffany Bates: Honeymoon Part 1

Jadon Turns 1

On June 7th, Jadon Bates turned one year old. You may remember hearing the news of his birth, followed by his nine-day NICU stay. Little Jadon just returned from a vacation with his parents and three older siblings. Five years ago, Zach and Whitney took Bradley and Kaci to Folly Beach, South Carolina, and they decided to relive that trip with all four children. On the way home, they stopped to see Gil's parents, Papa Bill and Mama Jane, at their South Carolina farm. 

 

Jadon Bates and Bradley Bates

 

Photo courtesy of @zachnwhitbates; thebatesfamily.com

Update on Carlin

As many of you know, Carlin Stewart has been having some serious health struggles, which are most likely seizures, that her doctor is trying to get to the bottom of. He put her on a seizure medicine to suppress her episodes and will take her off the medicine and do an EEG next week. She can trace the episodes back to Zade's delivery at the end of March. What she doesn't know yet is why they started so suddenly or what is causing them. 

On a happier note, Carlin and Evan are working on their house. Below is a link to a YouTube video showing their progress. 

Video: New House Demo Day 2

Wedding in 128 Days

In just over four months, Trace Bates will become the fourth Bates son to wed. He and Lydia Romeike will tie the knot on October 1st, 2022, in Jefferson City, about one hour from the Bates' hometown of Rocky Top, Tennessee. The wedding will take place four days before Josie and Kelton's fourth anniversary, which is fitting because Josie is responsible for setting Trace up with Lydia. You can view the couple's wedding website and registry on The Knot. After this event, Gil and Kelly will be able to say that their 11 oldest children are married.

Prayers for Carlin

Carlin Stewart has been experiencing health issues, and we encourage you to pray for her. Since flying back from Lawson's wedding, she has been in Nashville, where Evan's family has been helping with the kids. Carlin has had numerous episodes of fainting and seizure-like symptoms that have landed her in the emergency room. She has not received a diagnosis yet. 

 

Evan Stewart and Carlin Stewart

Photo courtesy of @carlinbates98

A Big Move for the Paines

Erin and Chad Paine just made a huge announcement. They are moving! And they haven't just found a new home to live in; they have found a new state to live in. Hear them discuss their news in their latest video (link below).

YouTube Announcement: The Paines Are Moving

Photo courtesy of chadanderin.com

Balkas in California

Even though Lawson and Tiffany had their wedding on the West Coast, most of the Bates family was able to travel to attend. Only a few, including the Websters, couldn't make it due to logistics. Josie and Kelton Balka turned it into a vacation and spent a few days sightseeing with their girls. 

Kelton had to take time away from his business (Tennessee Standard). Josie, who is the co-owner of Effortless Beauty, actually took work with her. She and her business partner did hair and makeup for Tiffany and her bridesmaids!

 

Kelton Balka, Josie Balka, Tiffany (Espensen) Bates, Lawson Bates

Photo courtesy of @josie_balka

Lawson and Tiffany: Wedding Details

We know you're eager to hear all the details and see photos from Lawson and Tiffany Bates' stunning wedding. It was a classy affair that took place on a yacht in San Diego, California. People Magazine just released the exclusive.

Far, Far Away

Lawson Bates and Tiffany Espensen became Mr. and Mrs. Bates yesterday afternoon in San Diego, California. They celebrated with family and friends on a boat! Wedding photos and details have not yet been released to the public, but we will let you know when they are. Until then, where do you think Lawson and Tiffany are headed on their honeymoon? The trip was planned by Lawson, who surprised Tiffany with the destination about a week before the wedding.

Lawson's Wedding Tomorrow

 

Lawson Bates and Tiffany Espensen

Today, nine of Gil and Kelly Bates' 19 children are married, and 10 are unmarried, but tomorrow, their married kids will officially be the majority. Family and friends have been arriving in San Diego, California, all week, in preparation for the wedding of Lawson Bates and Tiffany Espensen. The two will become husband and wife tomorrow (Thursday).

Photo courtesy lawsonbates.com

2 More Bates Babies

In celebration of Mother's Day, not one, but TWO Bates couples announced pregnancies. Nathan and Esther Bates are due with their first child in October, which is the month of their first anniversary. Tori and Bobby Smith are expecting their fourth baby in August. They are having another girl, which will bring their count up to two boys and two girls. The daughters will be 14 months apart.

Bates #3 Turns 31

Happy 31st birthday to Erin Paine! She is the 3rd of Gil and Kelly Bates' 19 children. Erin and Chad have five children, ages six (almost seven) through three months. 

 

Erin Paine, 2019

Photo courtesy of chadanderin.com

Another Graduation

This week, Kelly Bates traveled to New Jersey to celebrate with Katie and Travis. What were the newlyweds celebrating? Travis just graduated from Vision Baptist College, which is a ministry of the Solid Rock Baptist Church. According to Kelly, Travis studied music and media. Congratulations to Travis! He and Katie also just posted their official wedding video (link below)

Katie and Travis Clark Wedding Video

 

Travis Clark and Katie Clark

Photo courtesy of @kgbates2000

A Graduation and a House

It's a big week for the Stewarts! Zade turns one month old today, which is hard to believe. And after five years, Evan is graduating from electrician school. To top it all off, Carlin and Evan are about to close on their first home. The couple will celebrate three years of marriage on May 25th.

 

Throwback picture of Carlin and Evan, June 2019

Photo courtesy of @carlinbates98

Zade Turns 1 Month

Little Zade Stewart, who was born March 27th, just hit his one-month milestone. We think he looks a lot like big sister Layla. Do you agree?

 

Zade Patrick Stewart

Photo courtesy of @carlinbates98; tarynyagerphotography.com

Chad Turns 35

Happy 35th birthday to Chad Paine! Chad became Gil and Kelly Bates' first child-in-law in November 2013. Now almost nine years later, there are nine (soon to be 11) in-laws. It is fitting that Chad is also the eldest of all the Bates siblings and in-laws.

 

Erin Paine, Chad Paine, Brooklyn Paine, Carson Paine

Christmas 2016

Photo courtesy of chadanderin.com

Happy Easter 2022

 

Gil and Kelly Bates, Resurrection Sunday 2022

We hope all our readers across the world had a lovely Easter celebrating the risen Savior, who came to Earth to live a sinless life and sacrifice Himself on the cross in order to make us blameless before God. Making the decision to follow Christ means community with God here on Earth and eternal life with God in heaven after death. Below is a link to Gil's Resurrection Sunday sermon. 

Bible Baptist of East TN April 17, 2022

Photo courtesy of thebatesfamily.com

How Trace and Lydia Met

For those who haven't heard, Trace Bates is engaged to Lydia Romeike. Now that the Bates' show is off the air, viewers won't have the pleasure of meeting Lydia on TV, so she and Trace filmed a YouTube video to share how they became acquainted (link below). The pair was set up by Josie, and they only met last year. 

Video: How Trace and Lydia Met

Visits with Katie

 

Josie Balka and Katie Clark

Most of the Bates siblings live in the Knoxville area, but a few are in other states, which means the family spends quite a bit of time traveling back and forth for visits. Katie flew to Tennessee to spend some time with her parents, siblings, nieces, and nephews. Then, Josie took Willow and Hazel to New Jersey to help Katie and Travis decorate their house (photo above shows what they accomplished). 

Now, Isaiah and Ellie are in Florida with the Websters. After Lawson marries Tiffany next month, the couple will reside in Nashville, which means more travels for the family.

Photo courtesy of @josie_balka

Q&A with Chad

 

Chad Paine and baby Brookly Paine, 2017

Erin and Chad Paine have received requests for Chad to answer questions sent in by fans, so they decided to film a Q & A. Sit down with the father of five in the front seat of his truck to hear him speak about his work, family, and wife (link below).

Q & A with Chad Paine

Photo courtesy of chadanderin.com

Trace's Engagement Video

Did you hear the big news? Another Bates couple is engaged! Trace Bates and Lydia Romeike are officially in wedding planning mode. If you would like to watch their beautiful rooftop engagement, check out the link below. 

Trace Bates' Surprise Proposal

Trace Bates Engaged

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.

 

Lydia Romeike and Trace Bates

Photo courtesy of @tracewbates

4 Grandchildren Born in March

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).

Meet Bates Grandbaby #20

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.

 

Michael Keilen and Zade Stewart

Photo courtesy of @brandon_michael_jn15

Baby Boy Stewart's Name

 

Kelly Bates and Zade Stewart

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

Baby Has Arrived!

 

Carlin Stewart, Evan Stewart, Layla Stewart

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 Turns 2

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. 

 

Kade Smith and Kolter Smith

Photo courtesy of thebatesfamily.com

Lawson and Tiffany's Engagement Footage

 

Lawson Bates and Tiffany Espensen

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 New House

 

Lawson Bates and Tiffany Espensen

Lawson and Tiffany bought a house! The soon-to-be newlyweds closed on March 4th on a home in the Nashville area. In true Bates fashion, it's a fixer upper, and renovations are already underway, with help from other Bates family members. Below is a link to a YouTube video that Lawson and Tiffany posted.

Lawson and Tiffany's House: Demo Day 1

Photo courtesy of lawsonbates.com

Nathan in Ukraine

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's Taste of Country Interview

 

Gil Bates, Kelly Bates, Tiffany Espensen, Lawson Bates 

East Tennessee wedding shower

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.

"Crazy Love" Lyric Video Link

Photo courtesy of thebatesfamily.com

Baby Stewart Countdown

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.

 

Bringing Layla home from the hospital in 2020

Photo courtesy of @carlinbates98

Travis Turns 21

Happy birthday to Travis! How special to be able to celebrate his 21st with his wife of three months.

 

Katie Clark and Travis Clark

Photo courtesy of @kgbates2000

A Wedding Shower

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.

Gil Bates, Kelly Bates, Tiffany Espensen, Lawson Bates

 

Photo courtesy of thebatesfamily.com

Jonah and the Whale

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.

Josie Balka, Kelton Balka, Willow Balka, Hazel Balka

Photo courtesy of @josie_balka

Biggest Bates Heart

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.

 

Trace Bates, Jackson Bates, Warden Bates, Isaiah Bates, Lawson Bates

Photo courtesy of @wardenjbates

I Love You Day 2022

It's that time of year again. Time for the Bates' annual I Love You Day celebration! The clan is gathered in East Tennessee this weekend for the festivities. Last night was the couples' dinner, and today is the main event. For the costume contest, this year's theme is Bible characters.

 

Erin and Chad Paine, I Love You Day 2018

Photo courtesy of chadanderin.com

Lawson's New Album

 

Lawson Bates 

If you are looking for something to listen to, you will be thrilled to hear that Lawson‘s new album, American Dream, is officially out! You can stream it on various websites, including iTunes/Apple Music and Spotify. 

And in other news, Lawson and Tiffany are less than three months away from their wedding date. They plan to live in Nashville after they wed. We recently posted the link to a Q and A video that they filmed. 

Photo courtesy lawsonbates.com

Jackson Visits Florida

The Websters have had a few visitors recently. Gil and Kelly came down for Maci's first birthday party, and then Jackson visited a short time later. 

Jackson Bates and Alyssa Webster

Photo courtesy of @websterforever

Bates #12 and #15 Turn 20 and 16

Between January 23rd and February 17th, a span of less than four weeks, the Bates family has a whopping 10 birthdays to celebrate, including two "double birthdays." The first double birthday was Trace and Jeb on February 1st, and the second is today. Jackson is turning 20, and Addallee is turning 16. Happy birthday to this brother-sister duo!

 

Jackson Bates and Addallee Bates

2016

 

Nathan Bates, Trace Bates, Addallee Bates, 

Ellie Bates, Judson Bates, Isaiah Bates, Jackson Bates

Summer 2021

Photos courtesy of thebatesfamily.com; @jacksonebates

Bobby Turns 27

Happy 27th birthday to Bobby Smith! Bobby and Tori have three little kiddos who are growing up quickly. Kade is three, Kolter turns two next month, and Charlotte is seven months. 

Kade Smith and Bobby Smith

Photo courtesy of @bobby_torilayne_smith

Q and A with Lawson and Tiffany

 

Lawson Bates and Tiffany Espensen

Lawson and Tiffany just released their first Q and A video! In it, they spend just under 10 minutes answering questions submitted by fans (link below). They discuss their careers, where they will live when they get married, how they met, and more.

Lawson Bates and Tiffany Espensen: Q & A

Photo courtesy of lawsonbates.com

Tiffany's 23rd

Lawson, who will turn 30 in July, is only a few months away from leaving his bachelor days behind. (His wedding is set for May 12th!) Lawson's beautiful bride-to-be, Tiffany, just celebrated her 23rd birthday. Happy birthday to the future Mrs. Bates! Nathan and Esther Bates tied the knot last fall, which was followed by Zach and Whitney Bates' 8th wedding anniversary in December, so Tiffany will be the third Bates daughter-in-law.

 

Lawson Bates and Tiffany Espensen

Photo courtesy of lawsonbates.com