October 21, 2019, 8:41 am
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
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October 22, 2019, 5:05 pm
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 BatesThe 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
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October 23, 2019, 10:53 am
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
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October 24, 2019, 1:11 pm
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
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October 24, 2019, 6:30 pm
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.
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October 25, 2019, 4:30 pm
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
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October 26, 2019, 12:54 pm
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
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October 27, 2019, 3:51 pm
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,
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October 29, 2019, 12:37 pm
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
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October 30, 2019, 11:15 am
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 BatesUPtv 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
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November 1, 2019, 6:02 am
Carlin and Evan Stewart
Both the Bates and Stewarts have family members who are involved in music, whether part-time or full-time. Like most of her siblings, Carlin sings and plays music, although she is not one of the ones who is in the business of releasing music to the public. But that is about to change. She and Evan were in the studio yesterday, laying the vocals for their very first single as a couple. It's their wedding song, which is written by Evan. Stay tuned for details!
Kelly and Lawson also went with the newlyweds. Kelly is determined to be on-hand for all her children's exciting milestones and moments, and Lawson is never one to miss out on something exciting.
Lawson is also working on some music of his own. New songs are in the works, and he says they will be released soon.
Also wanted to mention that UPtv took a break this week and did not air a new episode of Bringing Up Bates. The season will resume next week. Photo courtesy of Carlin and Evan Stewart
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November 2, 2019, 7:17 am
Wishing Erin and Chad Paine a very happy six-year anniversary!
Photos courtesy of chadanderin.com
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November 3, 2019, 1:16 pm
John Webster, Alyssa Webster, Zoey Webster,
Kelly Bates, Gil Bates, Lexi Webster, Allie Webster
Now that the Keilens and Smiths have moved back to East Tennessee and the Stewarts made the decision to settle in the area after their wedding, the Websters are the only members of the big Bates clan that don't live nearby.
Even though Orlando is a near-10-hour drive from Rocky Top, Alyssa and John and their girls are still able to spend quite a bit of time with family.
They were in Gatlinburg with everyone last weekend, and this weekend, Gil and Kelly are in Orlando.
Photo courtesy of Gil and Kelly Bates
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November 5, 2019, 9:48 am
Kelly Bates
The Bates took a break last week, but all-new episodes of Bringing Up Bates resume this Thursday at 9pm ET/8pm CT on UPtv. Whitney tells Kelly that she is expecting, and she already knows the gender. The kicker is that Zach has no idea that Whitney even scheduled an appointment at the doctor's office, so he is in for a big surprise. Whitney needs Kelly's help coming up with a way to reveal the news to Zach and the rest of the family (video preview below).
Photo/video courtesy of UPtv
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November 6, 2019, 4:42 pm
Carlin Bates, Gil Bates, Kelly Bates
Yesterday, we shared the
Bringing Up Bates scene in which Whitney Bates tells Kelly Bates her exciting pregnancy news and asks her mother-in-law for help surprising Zach with the gender. Today's sneak peek scene shows Kelly making the big reveal, while most of the rest of the family looks on. Check it out below, and be sure to tune in tomorrow (Thursday) at 9pm ET/8pm CT for a new episode. We will post a written recap after the show.
Photo/video courtesy of UPtv
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November 6, 2019, 4:49 pm
November is finally here, which means that Zach and Whitney Bates will soon welcome their new addition, Khloe Eileen Bates. She is due in less than two weeks. The Bates did a photo shoot with
photographer friend Taryn Yager to commemorate their last days as a family of four.
Whitney Bates, Zach Bates, Kaci Bates, Bradley Bates
Photo courtesy of tarynyagerphotography.com
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November 7, 2019, 6:30 pm
Bringing Up Bates "Baby Mamas and Bridesmaids Drama"- Carlin’s wedding is in two weeks, but she is graduating from college, and Kelly wants to throw a little party to celebrate her accomplishment. The Bates mom meets with Whitney to plan the event, but when Whitney gets a call from her doctor’s office, the discussion quickly turns to another topic. Whitney is pregnant and just found out the gender, but Zach doesn’t know yet. Kelly wants her to reveal it at the party.
- “So Kelly really is the first one in the Bates family to know that I’m pregnant this time,” says Whitney. “And the only thing I think I have going for me is the graduation party is the very next day. So she’s not really that good at secrets, but I think since it’s like in less than 24 hours, I’ll be good this time.”
- “I was a little worried cause it is all about Carlin’s day and her graduation,” admits Whitney.
- Josie’s due date is almost here, and she and Kelton have just moved into a two-bedroom apartment to make room for the baby. Josie’s friend Samantha comes over to help decorate the nursery. When Kelton returns home from work, he starts assembling the crib, which ends up being a more difficult job than he had anticipated.
- “At the end of the day, because of Josie’s hard work, that nursery looked incredible,” says Josie.
- On the day of her graduation party, Carlin is thrilled to have completed her degree. “I couldn’t have made it through school without Mom, that’s a fact,” says Carlin. After eating, the family members share praises about Carlin. “If you’re ever needing something, Carlin’s always there, and she’s always going to be there for you,” Callie shares, through tears. “And I can’t believe she’s getting married.”
- At the end of the party, Kelly turns the floor over to Zach, who thinks he is about to announce the pregnancy. “Well, I actually do have something to say, Carlin, I love you very much. And my wife was talking to Mom the other day and may have let something slip, and Mom can’t keep a secret, so we’re just going to go ahead and let everybody know that we have another little baby on the way.”
- At that point, Kelly opens the coffee cup that she has been pretending to sip and throws pink confetti all over Zach. “That’s what happens when you tell Mom,” exclaims Zach.
- “I don’t think I’ve ever seen Zach stunned,” says Kelly. The dad of three admits that he had no idea that Whitney had even decided to find out the gender.
- Later, the Bates and Stewart ladies meet at Whitney’s house to discuss bridesmaids dresses. Renee and her husband arrive to help. “We have more problems than we thought we did,” says Carlin. The ladies try on their dresses, which are a variety of styles and colors, and express a lot of concerns and complaints. When Tori says she can’t fit in her dress, Carlin responds, “Then we’re going to the gym together.”
- Everyone agrees that Whitney’s dress looks great, but Whitney is concerned that her baby bump will grow too much before the wedding. “I just ate two cheeseburgers and a large fry and a piece of pie all by myself!” she exclaims. “There’s a baby inside, which makes me crave food, so it’s rough.”
- Renee has plans to remake a lot of the dresses so they fit better. “Renee is magic,” says Erin.
- When Carlin tries on her dress, it’s perfect. “I do not want to hurt anybody’s feelings, but it is the prettiest wedding dress that I’ve ever seen,” says Kelly.
- “Okay that really hurt my feelings,” responds Erin. “She says it every time,” laughs Tori.
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November 8, 2019, 8:14 am
Callie Bates, Carlin Bates Erin Paine, Whitney Bates
Looking through Carlin's photo album
"Mom has always been very big into photos. She's so sweet and sentimental about it."-Erin PaineCan you imagine organizing childhood photos of nineteen kids? In preparation for Carlin's college graduation party, Kelly stays up nearly all night putting together an album for Carlin. Everyone is eager to flip through it.
If you enjoy this blog, be sure to visit Ellie's other blogs (
NashvilleWife.com and
DuggarFamilyBlog.com).
Photo/video courtesy of UPtv
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November 8, 2019, 3:46 pm
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November 8, 2019, 3:57 pm
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