To make it easy to search this post, I have added a * before each episode title. On your PC, hit CONTROL and F to search. On your Mac, hit COMMAND and F. Then you can type in a * and see where each episode begins.
*Episode 1: Summer Lovin', Guitar Strummin' and a Surprise a Comin'!
The Bates are late to pick up Bobby and Jackson and Warden and Isaiah from camp. Bobby works at this camp. Tori and Bobby call each other “baby” à la Jinger & Jeremy. Carlin says Tori and Bobby are “kinda courting” just not officially. Gil says they need to know each other better before officially courting. Tori says, “we’re gonna get married.”
Next, there is a lot of hullabaloo about Kelly going on a giant swing. She does not enjoy it. It’s supposed to be funny but it comes off a little mean.
Time for Lawson to do some singing and talk about the challenges of planning a concert. The family ziplines into a lake (ok, this looks like a lot of fun) and Gil and Kelly muse on about how people are getting older, etc, and about the clearly soon-to-be-courting Tori and Bobby. Bobby talks about how the long distance is challenging, and is really very sweet. Lawson talks about the song he is singing with Emily Anne Roberts. Talking about the recording studio process, again. We get it- the Bates kids make albums and it’s not easy.
Trace is preparing to audition for Dixie Stampede. Trace needs to learn to dance for the audition! Gil doesn’t look thrilled when Kelly suggests dance lessons. They discuss dancing a little more, with Lawson offering an example of dancing on a barrel. Trace, don’t take dance lessons from Lawson.
Finally, we are at Zach and Whitney’s house! Their kids are too cute for words. They talk about his work and how the hours & safety concerns are hard on the fam while preparing to go the main house. They mention again it’s hard for them to all get together, so they’re having a big dinner together that night. The boys are cooking because the girls are all at college and Kelly is complaining about how they stink. At Erin and Chad’s little house, Carson and Chad (and Ellie) are playing on the swing. Max and the kiddos are so cute. Erin says Brooklyn is “fussy but pretty.”
While at dinner, Ms. Dingus, a local friend, comes with a basket. Everyone is surprised. Something is clearly up. Ms. Dingus seems like a character. Kelly loudly says she’s not pregnant, and says Whitney & Erin can’t be pregnant yet. Ms. Dingus hands a little box to everyone who is there(everyone but Alyssa and Michael and their families). Inside the box are Alyssa’s pregnancy announcement, and Alyssa and her family is outside. Everyone rushes out to greet them. The family scares poor Allie Jane so much she starts bawling. Alyssa has the babies name, Lexi Mae, on the M&Ms in the box. They end the episode eating together and being excited.
*Episode 2: Plans, Bands and Mashed Potatoes!
Erin is having a meeting at the main house about Kelly’s 50th birthday. Erin wants to go to Chattanooga and find a cabin where everyone-including Alyssa and Michael & co- will be there. She wants to film a video about stories which Brandon will put together to give to Kelly Jo. It’s going to be a complete surprise, Erin says, but we know how well this usually goes in this family. Jud and Jeb are told not to tell- they say they won’t talk. Callie says Jeb is a ‘spoiler’.
Lawson’s new band is here-because this is a plot line we are continuing-getting ready for Lawson’s tour. They play on the family stage. Carlin walks in, and Lawson says Emily Anne can only make some tour dates. Lawson wants Carlin to sing her part when Emily can’t be there; Carlin says she can’t do it. The younger boys say she is talented, which is so sweet. They teach Carlin the part and Lawson hopes she will fill in for Emily Anne if need be.
Gil now wants to have a family meeting about a “basketball goal.” They are trying to decide where to put it. They talk about playing basketball on gravel, which looks dangerous and difficult. Naturally, the older boys want to overcomplicate the project while Gil just wants to put in some concrete right by the existing hoop (“goal?”). The parents talk about how they’re not great at finishing projects. Kelly is holding one of the newborn girls (Brooklyn I think-Carson is there too) and she just wants to know how long it’s gonna take. Kelly wants to tear out the junk shed and use that slab for basketball. Gil says that’ll be expensive, but Kelly says matches are cheap. Judson then explains “Mom wants to burn the shed down” but then they’d lose the tools and tents inside. Judson, you precious kiddo, they won’t burn it down with all your stuff inside. Kelly hands Lawson the baby and shoots, saying if she makes it, she gets to decide. She makes the basket- all the kids act like this is an unheard of feat. Gil, not wanting to lose his shed, says they should go pray about it. I agree with one of the three younger boys who said (I’m paraphrasing here) that this project is gonna be finished so he can play basketball on his wedding day.
Erin is cooking with Warden, who is having a sleepover with Erin, who is a great helper. He makes omelets at home now, and Callie says he is the best at it. Lawson says at their house, it’s all hands on deck. Zach says everyone learns everything, and because he’s the oldest he’s the best at everything-Whitney’s face here is priceless. Warden asks the other two of his trio of brothers if they’ve ever cooked a real meal. Jackson says he’s made tomato soup and cereal. Warden jumps in with “You don’t cook cereal, you dingbat!” Preach, Warden. His favorite part of cooking is eating (me too) and Erin says he could be a chef one day. She says a lot of great cooks are men, too. Chad gets home, and both Erin and Chad praise him and he looks so happy. Literally this scene is actually very sweet and I hope that if cooking is Warden’s passion he is able to pursue it.
*Episode 3: A Birthday and a Birdie
The episode opens with Carlin explaining: On our sixteenth birthday, that’s when we know we’re gonna get our purity ring. Katie is turning sixteen which is when they give purity rings to their girls. Gil remarks how fast it is. Carlin is trying to convince Katie to dress up and curl her hair. She refuses, and wears what makes her comfortable. Gil gives her white flowers for purity. Zach & Whitney on the interview couch. Producer: How come the guys don’t get purity rings? Whitney: Never thought of that. Zach: The guys in this family don’t get a lot of free things. Lawson: Don’t worry about the ring, but a saddle would be nice. Younger Boys: Wish we got a free dinner (me too, guys). Gil insists on opening the door for Katie because that’s what guys do for good girls. Erin: thought it was a special time with my parents. Kelly: It’s a reminder for you to look at and remember our time and our talk and make a commitment and goals that you set for yourself. Gil explains that a ring is valuable, but your purity is more valuable than any trinket in the world. They have dinner and go home after talking about how she’s growing up and will someday meet a guy. Katie said they made her feel really special.
Gil talks about how they were sent to plant a church in the area but they couldn’t find a building so they met in a hotel ballroom. However they recently found and purchased a church for less than asking price. They talk about the changes they want to make to the building and they want to do it right for their community & God. They bought a steeple for the church building because tbh it did just look like a long skinny building. Kelly wants it to look like a little country church. Lawson: Mom wanted a steeple. Callie: It doesn’t even have a steeple. It looks like a house (true) The steeple is gigantic, Kelly says. She is pretty excited and nervous they’re going to drop it. Tori says the congregation will help out for a few days to work on the church.
Mama Jane and Papa Bill have come to visit, and Gil, Papa Bill and Lawson are going to play golf. Lawson is “growing up” and spending time together is important. Lawson is not so good at golf (it’s ok, I am not good at golfing either. tried it once). Papa Bill laughs at Lawson’s score.
Oh good, we are talking about Lawson’s tour again. First show is Saturday. Gil asks if there is any “large talk.” Lawson: the only big talk I’ve got is music. [Translation: Ladies, he’s single.] Papa Bill then shows up his son and grandson at golf.
Everyone who lives in TN is there for supper. Including Chad holding Brooklyn, which is the cutest thing on this entire episode. Kelly says tomorrow is a special day- October 5 aka Katie’s birthday. Katie is embarrassed that they’re making a big deal but they have cake. Gil laughs at her embarrassment. They eat and do “Birthday praises.” Erin says Katie is one of her best friends.. Kelly says she is so content and grateful, Gil says that she helps him get the right perspective and they all cry. Mama Jane: a special day, about the best trip we’ve had here.
*Episode 4: Doggy Dilemmas
Opens at Chad and Erin’s house. Chad jokes that they have three children: Carson, Brooklyn and Max the pup, and things are going great. They are trying to train little Max. Chad says with two babies and a dog there’s lots of poo, and Erin says not to say that word on TV. Warden, Judson and Jeb are there with Chad & Erin. They try to teach Max how to fetch and sit. Max is not too interested. The producers ask if Jud & Jeb know anyone who needs more training-maybe them? They say no.
We move to Chicago, where Michael is making breakfast for Brandon. She says marriage is the most incredible adventure. They remind us about Kelly’s birthday and their plans to make a video. The family says that they are keeping the secret still from Kelly which Brandon is surprised by. They show Brandon drawing for the video and Carlin says he is very talented with video editing. Nathan says Brandon is creative and artistic. Michael says the video starts small but it will always be more complicated with her family.
Lawson is visiting the children’s hospital again, this time with Emily Ann. Zach says she is a famous local because she was on the Voice. They sing to the children in the hospital-Amazing Grace and the song that is I have Decided to Follow Jesus with Trinity. One of the children, who has cystic fibrosis, sings too. Emily Ann wants to go back after singing and meeting all the kids.
Back at the main Bates house, we are back to making a concrete basketball court. They argued about it a while back and Kelly won the shoot out. They got the ground ready for the concrete. The truck is coming and Lawson wakes up late because he is in the music industry and needs to stay up late for his performances. Nathan gives him a hard time about wearing nice clothes because nice clothes mean he isn’t planning on really working. The concrete didn’t show up on time even though everyone is ready to go. It doesn’t show up at all. Another concrete company showed up right on time the next morning. Judson informs us Lawson missed because he was asleep. The concrete comes quickly and the boys work hard to get it level. However Gil didn’t get enough and they have to make sure to really even it out to get all the concrete to fill the hole. They manage to finish it. The little kids do handprints in the concrete which is sweet.
Back in Chicago, Michael is sewing dresses, scrapbooking and babysitting. Kelly says everyone always thought that Michael would be the one with a huge family. Michael says a family was always her dream growing up. There are some complications and difficulties, they have not yet gone to a doctor but they think it is in God’s hands.
*Episode 5: Surprise! Kelly Jo's Big 5-0!
It’s time for Kelly’s birthday surprise. Kelly says Gil is taking her on a trip like usual and she didn’t know the whole family was going to plan her something special. The kids all talk about the fact that fifty is a big birthday and that Kelly is getting old. The kids are all gonna surprise her at a big cabin. Kelly says she hates saying goodbye to the kids. The Bates parents are finally off after some last minute car repair.
Carlin said they were nervous that Kelly would figure the plan out. Zach and Whitney begin to rally the troops to leave on time. When mom and dad leave, all the kids are packed and ready to go on time. Kelly is trying to figure out where they are going based on the way he was driving. She calls Erin to complain about how Gil won’t give her any hints on the phone and seems totally clueless about the surprise. Erin says it’s a miracle they’ve pulled this off.
They have a large and charming cabin in Chattanooga. The marrieds and some kids arrive early to start preparing. They assign rooms and start getting ready for the party. They decorate and hide the cars. Gil needs to stall and they wander around an old graveyard. Everyone lines up in the living room and they have the cabin owner pretend to be the bed and breakfast owner (to explain the large cabin) and he greets them and Kelly wants him to take a picture while her whole family is trying to be quiet in the living room.
She walks in and the family starts cheering, and she is shocked to see them all there. They tell her that Alyssa and Michael are on their way as well and the family plays charades. Tomorrow they will go on a train ride through the mountains. They can’t be late because trains will not wait for them.
The next morning they get to the train early. Kelly says she must love trains because her dad used to take her on train rides after her parents got divorced. Whitney was excited for Bradley to get to go on the train, which was sweet. The train car is decorated for Kelly Jo. The conductor punches their tickets and there are some shots alternating between excited Bates and pretty Tennessee landscapes. Kelly asks Alyssa if they could stay in a motel for the week of her due date to get to see Lexi arrive. They finish the car ride and Gil says the best is yet to come.
They have a picnic lunch, and Michael and Brandon arrive. Kelly talks about how glad she is everyone has arrived and is there together. They ride around on a little train cars pulled by tractors around the park. The kids are thrilled. They are in a National Park where the army used to manufacture and store TnT. They stop and go in old army bunkers which echo so all the kids just yell for a while. The older siblings sing Amazing Grace in the bunker which actually does sound pretty cool in the bunker.
Gil gives her a new wedding ring because she let Jeb play with it and it disappeared. She is excited and it does seem to be large and pretty looking. Then they go around and praise Kelly. Everyone cries and then it is time to show the video Brandon was working on last week. The video features Brandon’s drawings and nice stories from all the kids and grandkids. Allie Jane is precious as always. It’s a sweet moment. After that, they sing and have cake. Kelly is overwhelmed and at a loss for words.
*Episode 6: I Donut Know What I'd Do Without You!
Tori is packing to go to Florida to visit Bobby, and Carlin is “helping” her by critiquing her choices. Kelly Jo tells us that they met through a mutual friend, Bobby’s roommate. They first met at the beach and were smitten immediately. They met a year ago and so the family is heading to Florida to visit. Tori knows he asked Gil’s permission to court so is expecting him to ask while she is in Florida. The whole family thinks this except Jeb and Judson who don’t know what courting means. Kelly discusses plans with Bobby on the phone and they are excited to travel.
They arrive in Pensacola and Bobby talks about when he met Tori. Apparently they talked before meeting on the phone and Bobby says he told his parents “If she was half of what I was expecting, I was in and she was so so much more” which is actually very sweet. The Bates have a great house on the beach and Bobby is setting up with the older Bates kids. They are gonna decorate the house and tell the story of what the week will be like (Nathan says it’s their first week together; this is never clarified). There are balloons, a kiddie pool full of sand and shells, donuts, flowers, notes, cupcakes. The whole family arrives in a large van.
The family all greets Bobby, especially Tori, and she is surprised by all the decorations he has placed in the house. She looks at all the different stations explaining what they will do this weekend. The family is all excited and they go to the favorite fundie date: putt putt. Bobby is good at putt putt; Tori is not. Bobby gives Tori lessons, the parents say they were distracted by mini golf and “it’s probably a good thing Daddy didn’t see” which is kinda a very un-fundie sentiment and also it was not at all scandalous he literally just gave her golf tips and she put her arm around him?
The next day, Alyssa and John meet them for a dolphin cruise (this actually looks fun). They ride in a boat and spot some dolphins. Tori and Bobby sit together, Bobby puts his arm around her. This is sweet. The rest of the family act like this is dangerously scandalous and a sign that morals have been lax since the first few courtships. Ok. Bobby talks to the parents about setting up the sunset beach dinner that night. Alyssa, in a sleeveless dress, tells Bobby to just surprise Gil and get engaged. Alyssa, I love this defiance. Gil tries to joke it off. Tori catches them plotting. Bobby whispers compliments in Tori’s ear pretty frequently. Bobby is quickly becoming one of my favorite fundies. Don’t let me down like Derick Dillard did, Bobby.
Next, Tori, Bobby, Carlin and Josie go parasailing. Tori is a little nervous about the height but Bobby convinces her to go with him but warms up to it while they are up there. She wonders if this is when he will ask (spoiler: it is not). Carlin and Josie go next, with much less hand holding and more screaming.
Kelly, Alyssa and Bobby’s mom and some other people are setting up where Bobby will ask Tori to court. They struggle to walk to set up the spot, and begin setting up. Tori and Bobby make their way to the beach, Carlin trailing them, make their way to the decorated spot. Literally Bobby is so sweet and this is so thoughtful and beautiful. He gives her a bracelet and asks her to court. All the parents emerge to surprise them. They are happy. Kelly says, more than any other couple, when she sees Tori and Bobby she sees little Kelly and Gil. Bobby wraps his arms around her and prays. He jokes the next step is gonna be another conversation with Gil. That’s a wrap!
*Episode 7: Shakeups, Steaks, and Showtime!
Lawson and Nathan arrive with large boxes of Lawson’s CDs. Are physical CDs still something people buy? These albums have a song “Jesus Loves Me” to benefit the Children’s hospital. Lawson is excited the CD is ready. There will be a show in Knoxville that Lawson is nervous about.
Whitney and Zach are going on a date to Ye Olde Steakhouse which is a favorite of Gil and Kelly. They drop Kaci and Bradley off at the main house and head to the restaurant. They talk about how quickly time has gone, Whitney reminds me she’s only a year older than me which is freaky. Zach loves his job and his kids and they seem happy.
Lawson and Carlin walk around Knoxville and he tells her Emily cannot make the concert. Lawson asks Carlin to sing, and Carlin is nervous and doesn’t think she can live up to Emily’s talent and voice. Carlin agrees to do it if after rehearsal Lawson thinks she is truly good and able to do it. (I’m gonna just guess this spoiler: she will sing).
Some of the band is not gonna make sound check, which freaks Lawson out. They do a mini sound check with what they have available and Lawson is nervous and nitpicky without the bass. The girls arrive at the church, and so does the rest of the band, and Carlin rehearses that song. Carlin is nervous throughout the song and makes a few little mistakes. Lawson is worried she will back out.
The tickets are not scanning properly. The issue is the wifi (isn’t it always?). But it seems to resolve itself and the concert is about to begin. Lawson sings some songs, starting with “Love’s the reason.” Lawson is singing about a drifter in a church and he forgets the lyrics and tells the audience and laughs. He is embarrassed in the talking heads. The concert is supporting the hospital and he has some kids from the hospital come sing “Jesus Loves Me” which is very sweet. After, Carlin comes and sings the “I have decided to follow Jesus” song which Emily usually sings. Lawson says it went well. The family is proud of them, Lawson in particular.
*Episode 8: Sweet Home Spartanburg
Kelly tells us that the kids were talking about what she wanted for her 50th birthday (other than the cabin surprise) so they went to Spartanburg, South Carolina, where Kelly Jo grew up. They visit the house they grew up in, now owned by the Maybery family who nicely allows Kelly, her kids and her siblings to tour the house. Kelly tells a story of how she used to be a tattletale and spy on her oldest brother Chip(who has passed away) from a tree when he went on dates. Erin comments that the family who owns the home is so kind- “a true Southerner.” They walk through the house, and Kelly tells stories of pulling pranks on her siblings. They rake the yard for the current owners. They do clean it up but they also play in the leaves; Kelly says she wants to reminisce playing on her childhood lawn with her children. Kelly and her sisters jump in a leaf pile for old time’s sake. This is so sweet, actually. Kelly talks about her parents divorcing when she was in the third grade- her siblings moved to Tennessee with her dad and she stayed in South Carolina with her mom. That makes the fact that they are all back together in South Carolina very special, she says.
They go to Spartanburg High School where some teachers will meet them. Kelly talks about how big the school is, which is true. One of her teachers is there and Kelly cries when she sees her. They are gonna visit a classroom with another teacher. This is most of the kids’ first time in a classroom, which is crazy. They do an experiment about inertia using eggs and a tray. The eggs are placed on sticks and the teacher will remove the tray but the eggs should remain at rest. It works, and the kids are really amazed. They enjoy that experience
Next, we are at John and Alyssa’s house talking about the nursery, and how busy and active Allie is. Alyssa says both pregnancies have been hard on her, but this one is harder with a one-and-a-half year old running around. They suspect Lexi is going to be even busier.
Back in Spartanburg, the family is at the Beacon restaurant ordering their food with a guy who sings your orders to the kitchen. There is a room reserved with Kelly Jo’s old friends, who all came to get food and catch up. Kelly thanks them for coming and says she is so grateful.
*Episode 9: Fire Trucks and Diaper Dumps
We open on the Bates’ Kitchen where Kelly is trying to plan something for Alyssa and her baby. Kelly feels she doesn’t do as much for Alyssa as she does for the others because she is further away. Alyssa is having another girl so she doesn’t want gifts, but Kelly suggest that if people want to bring something they can have a “diaper pounding” and help Alyssa & John stock up on diapers. Kelly and Katie are going to Chicago and then off to Florida, hopefully bringing Michael with them.
The fire alarm goes off at the Bates house. Trace says this is a frequent occurrence when someone is cooking. However, they really have a fire in the laundry room. Ellie, Warden, Katie and Kelly were not there. Gil was holding down the fort. Lawson had gotten home at 5am after a concert. Jeb wakes Lawson up and says “The laundry room is on fire and Judson is in there.” Lawson runs to the laundry room, wakes everyone up, sending them out of the house. He can’t find Judson and he is worried he is hiding from the fire. Trace finds him downstairs and they all exit the house. Lawson jams the laundry room door shut before leaving.
Zach is on patrol, and he is sent to the fire and realizes it is at his family’s house. Gil, Nathan, Jackson and Isaiah are on a tree job when they hear the house is on fire and they drive back to the house. Gil wants to be sure everyone is out. They are. Gil arrives on the scene, the littles are scared and want Kelly.
Luckily, the damage was mostly contained to the laundry room, but water has run down to the basement. The laundry room is full of hanging clothes-good fuel for a fire- and oxygen. But Lawson closing the door cut off the air flow and helped contain the fire. The laundry room is totally destroyed, but the damage is much smaller than it could have been. It comes to light that Judson and Jeb started the fire in the laundry room with a lighter, not a dryer. They didn’t think it would get out of control.
Friends, if you have small children, ensure that they do not have access to lighters. Of course, accidents happen, but keeping lighters out of reach of small children is important.
In Chicago, Kelly and Katie are with Emily Raynes, a musical friend who played at Michael’s wedding. Kelly talks about the fire and feeling nervous and wanting to be home. Kelly and Michael FaceTime Judson and they talk about the fire. Michael says that Judson and Jeb don’t really understand the extent of the damage.
Back in Tennessee, a fabric restoration service is going to try to save some clothes. These guys say they just want to help make a bad day better, which is nice, and comment on how large the family closet was.
Kelly, Katie and Michael arrive at Alyssa’s and remark on how cute she looks. John walks in and everyone is happy to see him. Warden is still with Alyssa, and Gil pulls up and Kelly is so excited to see him- which is cute- and Alyssa is surprised he came.
The diaper pounding is outside, with snacks, treats, and just relaxing and celebrating. No games, and boys are invited. Everyone laughs and jokes about the shower, and Allie keeps taking the food her mom is eating. Alyssa says that it has been hard for her, wanting to be close and share with Michael but knowing Michael wants a big family so badly. Michael says it is hard, but she just enjoys celebrating new life, and that she will get to have a new niece. Kelly concludes by saying it was a hard week, but they’ve all got to just be together and enjoy each other.
*Episode 10: Loads of Laundry and Lots of Lessons
In the wake of the fire, the Bates are staying in a local hotel. Kelly reminds us that Judson & Jeb started the fire and that it was a wake up call to teach the kids about fire safety. The family is thankful the fire wasn’t worse. In the hotel, the family talks about laundry and tidying up in the hotel, which is not ideal for a large family. Meals, cleaning and laundry have been challenging for them. Lawson and Trace do the laundry- there is one washer and one dryer. Kelly says these hardships could have been much worse and they brought the family closer together.
The same day the Bates house caught fire, the fires in Gatlinburg, TN caused major evacuations. Many lost their homes and some people lost their lives in the fire. Kelly, Gil, Lawson Judson and Jeb walk through Gatlinburg and talk about the danger of fire.
While in Gatlinburg, the Bates meet up with a family who lost their home in the fires. They ask questions about the fire and are grateful all the neighbors are safe. Zach says that the main thing about both these fires is that they are preventable. The Bates brought the Gatlinburg family some gifts.
Next, the family goes to the new Church building Gil is remodeling. Kelly wants to make everything beautiful and bigger. However, they had to figure out what was urgent and start there. They choose bathrooms (fair). Trace says it’s awesome to have the building, as small and in need of work as it is.
The emergency cleaners brought some clothes back and make a makeshift closet in the living room of their house. The put up two ladders and run a poll through the rungs. They check out the air quality just by smelling for smoke.
After all this stress, the family takes a road trip to Ark Encounter. This is the ark built to the dimensions in the Bible. Erin & Chad are there, and everyone thinks the Ark is huge. Everyone is excited to be in Kentucky visiting the ark. They walk through the ark and enjoy the experience. There is an animatronic Noah that answers questions. There is a huge turtle and goats in the Ark. There are dinosaurs. Lawson says he is impressed with all the research that went through it. Gil takes a picture of all the little informational signs because he doesn’t have time to read them with the little kids. Gil sounds like a paid sponsor when he says it engaged the littlest kids to the college kids. They seemed to enjoy their trip.
*Episode 11: Bike Racks, Barbers & Big Duets!
We begin with more of Lawson’s tour. He is visiting a historic town in North Carolina called Mount Airy aka The Real Mayberry and it’s kind of like a step back into the 1950s. [Lemme just say: 1950s North Carolina probably shouldn’t be held up as some kind of ideal] Nathan and Lawson are having a bro-trip to the local radio station. Lawson compliments the town and the radio host says “This is God’s country.” Andy Griffith was from this town, as well. No shocker: the Bates LOVE the Andy Griffith show. They talk about watching it and enjoying the family values and the “natural humorous” small town stuff. Then Lawson talks about his show, and how Emily Ann Roberts, the runner up on the Voice, will be joining him. The radio stuff is all old fashioned which the Bates love and then the interview begins. Lawson plugs his show, mentions it’s free, so either he’s losing money on this or UpTV is footing the bill. Then, one of Lawson’s songs is played on the radio. Lawson and Nathan leave the radio station.
Next, the Bates are focusing on a serious issues at their house: bicycles. For some reason, the concept of putting bicycles away is one that the Bates simply cannot grasp. Due to leaving them around willy-nilly, they run over bikes with cars often. Someone has sent Gil a picture of a bike rack that is just a log with slits cut into it for the front tire of a bike. Since they have logs, they decide they will make bike racks. Judson: “Two things we have a lot of here: Bicycles and logs.” They select a log and haul it over for Gil to make cuts with his chainsaw. He makes some and rests the log on two smaller logs to keep it balanced. They measure the distance for the cuts and then Gil goes to work. Jackson is impressed, as am I, saying “We finished a project in one day” which I sure appreciate not having to watch another whole series on adding a basketball court. They put the bikes away and head to Lawson’s concert.
Lawson and Nathan visit Floyd’s barber shop and meet Floyd’s son, the current proprietor of the shop. His father was the last living barber to cut Andy Griffith’s hair before he became famous. Lawson and Nathan get haircuts because they think it’s pretty cool to actually be in the barber shop. In a not at all totally staged scene, a man walks into the barber shop and introduces himself as a tour guide on one of the old squad car tours in town. He offers to take them for a ride. So they do that and he brings them to the old courthouse to show them the jail and Andy’s office. Nathan and Lawson are pretty excited that it looks just like it does on TV. They thank the tour guide and head to go meet the family. The family loves the old time squad car, and they pretend to arrest Isaiah for jaywalking.
They arrive at the theatre for the sound check and set up. The sound check is going a little rough and Lawson is totally stressing. They start letting people into the theatre and the show is ready to go on. The family is proud of Lawson; Nathan recounts the start of the concert. Lawson comes onto the stage and Kelly thinks he is nervous because Emily Ann is there. Honestly, I know she has a boyfriend but they are sure making it seem like these two are a couple. Lawson sings; Emily joins him. They sing a duet, Love Again, and Lawson calms down. Emily gets to sing one of her songs, Simple, solo. The Bates praise her song and her singing and reminds us that she is an amazing singer (honestly, she seems pretty good- I don’t watch the Voice so I dunno how that was for her). Some fans at the show say they like Lawson’s smile, which, ok, and then Lawson and Emily both express their gratitude.
*Episode 12: Mass-a-somethin
The family is at Massanutten Ski Resort in Virginia for the big ski trip. Gil walks around to the different kids’ rooms to wake everyone up. Kelly says only Gil has been on a ski trip before, but that the boys have wanted to ski for a long time. Kelly says it seems like time for a family vacation. Kelly is trying to get everyone out and ready to go skiing. Kelly makes the little boys put on extra layers; Michael texts them that someone died on a chairlift last week and Kelly almost cancels the lessons but they finally end up heading out. The family signs waivers and gets their gear.
Gil says that everyone brought friends. Trace brought friends from Georgia. Tori brought Bobby and Carlin brought a friend from Nashville named Evan. Kelly is freaking out about the chairlifts; the employees say that no one has ever fallen out of their lifts. So they finally will ski, maybe.
They break into three groups: snowboarders, adult skiers and kid skiers. They take lessons at first to learn about their chosen sport. Most of the boys are snowboarding-Lawson, Isaiah, Warden, etc. They go over the basics- turning, stopping, techniques. Nathan mentions that there are “special friends” on the trip- Bobby, and Evan is still in the “getting to know you phase” with Carlin. They go over more basics of skiing/ snowboarding. It’s time for the chairlift, now. Kelly is freaking out and all the kids give her a hard time about being nervous. She does freak out a little the entire time. She gets off and they start to ski down the mountain. everyone is doing pretty well, there are a few falls, and the little kids are better than everyone else.
The next day, the family takes advantage of the tubing hill on the resort. Nathan arrived late, because he was in Mississippi working on his commercial pilot's license and he is ready for some tubing as well. Tubing looks like it is a blast. The Bates all rave about it.
In the afternoon, they go to the ski slope. Kelly gives Nathan a run down of the basics because he missed the lessons. Nathan does pretty well and Nathan says Kelly is an incredible teacher, which is sweet. Next, they FaceTime Alyssa to show her the mountains and check in. Then, they finish they day on the slopes and do a run down the hill together. Erin says she wants to do this again sometime. Campbell Roberts is finally mentioned as “Trace’s Friend,’ she says he did great at skiing. They conclude on that run, and talk about what a good time they had.
*Episode 13:Working Up An Appetite
At the Bates’ home, Gil is on the porch putting on work gloves. He calls for Jackson, Warden and Isaiah to continue working on the basketball court. Zach jokes that after they put in the concrete slab, they just rested. There is one basketball hoop, so I assume they are putting in a second one so they can play basketball games.
Lawson, Trace and the younger guys struggle to assemble the basketball hoop. Lawson and Trace bicker the whole time about who is in charge and what they are doing. Zach says the good thing about Lawson’s leadership is that no one listens to the wrong directions he gives them. Isaiah drops the hoop on Gil. Somehow this hoop is taking them hours, it gets dark out, and it is only half finished. They call it a night.
The next morning, Gil and Kelly call Carlin and Josie. It is wisdom teeth removal time. They flip a coin and it is determined that Carlin will go first. They head to the dentist.
After the procedure, Gil drive Carlin back and tells her not to talk. Carlin is totally loopy after the procedure. She tries to walk inside but she keeps falling down so Gil picks her up and puts her on the couch. Carlin keeps talking which is making her bleed. Gil tells her not to talk and she starts crying and she won’t bite down on gauze to try to stop the bleeding. Gil has to leave to go get Josie and all the little kids surround her. Y’all, give her space. Josie has a really hard time because her teeth were impacted, she literally just passed out, poor thing. Kelly says she has a lot of swelling and bruising, more than the other kids. She seems truly miserable. Jeb says he wants to get his wisdom teeth out because he wants popsicles, and I admire his dedication to sweets. For some reason, instead of immediately putting the girls into their beds, they put them on the couch to sleep and kick everyone out of the living room.
Back to the basketball hoop, Nathan Lawson and Trace are on the talking head couch. Nathan finds out it took them two days to put the hoop up and is shocked. They put the top half of the hoop in the base and then shoot some baskets. Zach says he is shocked that his family has completed the majority of a project.
The next day the family goes to Cracker Barrel to pick up food. Trace, Tori, Carlin, Kelly and Lawson all go to get the food. For some reason, Trace is wearing a bowtie. He looks pretty spiffy. All the kids are coming over for dinner. This episode must be sponsored by Cracker Barrel because Kelly totally plugs it as they shop while the food is finished.
The family all gathers and eats together. They say grace and eat their meal and talk about Kelly and Gil’s upcoming trip out of the country. Jackson, Warden, Isaiah, Judson, and Jeb will go to Michael’s, and Kelly enlists Erin to keep an eye on Ellie, Addie and Callie. After this trip they will go to visit Alyssa for Lexi’s arrival and then two weeks after that is “I Love You Day.” They talk about how nice it is to all get together and eat.
*Episode 14:The Cubs Land in Chicago!
Jackson, Warden, Isaiah, Judson and Jeb are in Chicago while Gil and Kelly are in New Zealand and Australia. Getting ready with so many kids in a small apartment is a challenge. Brandon teases Michael for not really checking with him about having the boys but it is all a joke-he seems glad they are there as well. Michael makes them go to bed at 9:30 and wake up at 7:30 to get on Michael and Brandon’s schedule . Brandon and Michael make eggs and crepes for breakfast. Jackson calls them “taco pancakes”. Michael is glad they get to try something new, and the boys do enjoy it.
Josie is going to cosmetology school, which Kelly says is very useful. Josie says it is practical and she can use it in the home after marriage and for her siblings. The instructor talks about choosing styles for a particular face shape and then they practice on mannequin. Courtney Green, Josie’s friend, is asking about whether or not Tori will let Josie do her hair for the wedding. Josie says she isn’t sure but Carlin probably would, and then teases both of them on the interview couch about getting married soon.
Michael has made gingerbread and says they will have a gingerbread decorating tradition and they do it for the new year instead of Christmas because they wanted the boys to be there. They decorate, but the little boys keep wanting to eat the houses and Michael bribes them to wait. Warden eats some and Michael makes him apologize. Lawson says it must have been really challenging to keep them from eating it all.
Josie and Carlin are in their bathroom and Josie is practicing on Carlin. Carlin wants her face to not look fat. Carlin has been having Josie do her hair ever since she started cosmetology school. Josie says after graduation she will get her license and work in a salon. If she does, I would be so happy for her, it seems like such a passion for her and so I hope she does get to work and not be married right away. Tori comes in wearing a short black wig and is joking that Josie did her hair. Tori looks totally different in the wig it’s kinda funny. Josie puts Carlin’s hair up and Kelly says she will have lots of volunteers to practice on. Trace says she can do his once she gets more hours, Lawson says he will let her soon.
Back in Chicago, Brandon is telling the boys the story that they have written together about medieval knights. They have enjoyed working on the book together and they are figuring out the next steps. The boys enjoy the story and then color some pictures. Next, they go to Medieval Times, the eternal fundie favorite. The girls went last time they were in Chicago so the boys really wanted to go this time around. Jackson: They were doing everything I have ever wanted to do: They were getting to run at each other with big sharp pointy sticks. Jeb keeps asking if the swords are real which was cute. I hope the Bates are getting paid for this product placement like Cracker Barrel last week. Michael says she has so enjoyed having the boys there and she doesn’t want them to leave. Brandon says he has had fun but is looking forward to a break. Brandon and Michael seem really happy together still which is sweet.
* Episode 15:New Baby Born and Love All Around!
Open at Alyssa and John’s house- Kelly is arriving with the five boys. Alyssa jokes that the family is last minute and she didn’t find out who was coming until the day before they arrived. Warden is so sweet greeting Allie Jane. Kelly is so excited for the baby. Judson and Jeb are sweet as well.
Alyssa and Kelly will go shopping and hang out. Poor Alyssa seems really tired of being pregnant. They go out and have a snack and chat about labor. Kelly had 14 home births to avoid being around people (TBH this is relatable). Alyssa will be in a birth center. Kelly says God gives you one calm child and one wild one. They visit the midwife center to talk about the birth and hope that it will be soon. There is a small blip in the heartbeat, the midwife asks if she has had caffeine but they decide to do a scan. It is probably ok, but they will monitor her for 20 minutes to see what is going on.
Kelly and Allie Jane FaceTime the family back in Tennessee while they wait for the results. Allie Jane always looks so over her family and I love it. Alyssa is ok and they go to the rental home the Bates are staying in. The Bates are playing with nerf guns and are told to be careful. They divide into teams and Gil is one captain and Lawson is the other. Gil says they have to be honest if they are shot and are out. They play this game and Lawson lies and Callie totally calls him out for it. Lawson wins and right before the second round it is time for the baby to arrive.
Kelly and Gil go and stay in the lobby. They have a poll of their own to guess the delivery time. Kelly says 6:45 and Gil says 8:47. All the other kids start guessing. Gil thinks he heard the baby cry and they both try to literally press their ears up against the door to see if he did. John sends out a text and 7:20 is the winning time. Kelly gets to hold Lexi and her eyes open and looking around. The family all comes to meet Lexi at the birthing center.
The next day, the family goes to Alyssa and John’s to hold Lexi and take lots of pictures. They talk about how sweet she is and how much they enjoy babies. Kelly is so proud of Alyssa and John.
Back in Tennessee, Jeb and Judson are writing notes to their grandmother Jane. Kelly reminds us that Valentine’s Day is the family’s special holiday. This year’s I Love You Day will be casual, “on the farm” theme and it will honor Mama Jane’s recent birthday.
Evan arrives and Carlin runs out to meet him. Erin is having them over for dinner because she apparently helped introduce them. Erin looks very pretty today and they have dinner with Erin, Chad, the kids and Ellie. Erin says this is such a fun and special day, and she asks what is hard for them. They say that learning to understand each other is a challenge. Erin says they are perfect for each other. Evan just looks SO YOUNG, y’all.
The older sisters all go for pedicures for the first time since Michael’s wedding. Erin tells the story of how at the banquet, she set up Evan and Carlin by saying she wanted him for a brother-in-law. They talk about Evan and how he is a good communicator. Alyssa asks when Carlin will court and when Tori will get married and she says “May” which caused the sisters to freak out a little. “Next May after I graduate,” she explains. Tori really wants to get married but doesn’t want to take off a semester. She also wants her sisters to plan the wedding for them.
The couples from out of town are all staying in a cabin, and they are having a couples dinner. Carlin and Evan are supposed to keep the 6 inch rule. They make everyone who doesn’t have a date, leave. Something about this is very middle school but ok. They don’t even all fit on a table so some sit on the counter. Alyssa says Evan is perfect for Carlin as well. Kelly says something kind about each couple which is unique and sweet for each of them.
Now it is time for farm themed I Love You Day. Lots of plaid, hay, costume, etc. They made a special seat of honor for Mama Jane. Chad made a rocker and everyone signed the chair. They also gave her a scrapbook. They go around and give her their praises which are sweet. They are all teary eyed. They do a bunch of farm themed competitions including a pig calling contest, and a game called “chicken coop” which I am shocked is fundie approved. They tie tissue boxes around their waist, fill them with ping pong balls and have to shimmy them out. They have a hobby horse race. Then it is time for a break, and Zach, Chad and John take Evan and Bobby to go shoot in the classic male asserting dominance joke these shows love. They bond over their mutual experience about dating a Bates (except Zach) and they just bond.
Now they exchange presents. Michael got their grandfather’s (who passed away) handwriting from old letters engraved onto keychains for each Bates which is very sweet. There is a montage of the fun day the Bates had as the Bates look forward to their future.
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