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: Meet the Bates
We open at the Bates Family Home and the kids are doing their school work, some playing outside, others are tidying up. Kelly had Gil come over to the booth to go over the calendar and budgets for upcoming events. The big event coming up is Whitney’s baby shower-at this point, she is expecting Bradley. Meemaw has sent money and Aunt Kay will make a cake. They’re expecting a pretty good crowd for the shower.
Kelly and Gil introduce themselves in a talking head and say that when they got married they decided to leave it up to God how many children they would have. Kelly got pregnant 3 months into their marriage and they had Zach, and when Zach was four months old, they got pregnant with Michael. It went fast, says Gil. They have 19 kids now (no surprise).
They decide how many snacks and gifts they want to give Whitney- a hundred dollar gift card to fix up the nursery. Josie says the names quickly, and Kelly tells us about their personalities. Zach is a studier, Michael is a big heart, Erin is organized, Lawson is the police force, Nathan is the best friend, Alyssa kept the family running smooth, Tori is the ball of energy. Trace is competitive, Carlin is dynamite, Josie is caring, Katie is spunky, Jackson’s mind is always twirling, Warden is always moving, Isaiah is tender hearted, Addie thinks of everyone before herself, Ellie is smiley, Callie is sassy, Judson is a teddy bear, Jeb is full blast. This is an emotional year because three kids got married, and their first grandbaby is on the way. They’re having a big family supper that night that all the girls are preparing for. It takes a lot to feed the family. Michael is babysitting so Whitney (while Zach works), Josie, Tori and Carlin do the preparations. When the food is ready, Whitney returns home to meet Zach. At their house, Zach says he met Whitney in 2012 and 16 months later they were married. Soon they will welcome their first child, which they are excited and nervous about.
We shift to Erin and Chad’s home, where they talk about meeting at a Valentine’s Banquet. It’s a tough year for them, and they talk about how hard their miscarriage was but Erin says she knows she has a lot to be thankful for.
Tori says in a talking head that Chad and Whitney are like siblings but John & Alyssa are too far away. Kelly FaceTimes Alyssa to chat and fill us in. Alyssa talks about living in Florida and how her life has been different since she got married. It’s quieter. Alyssa will be at Whitney’s shower.
The family gathers, says grace, and then eats dinner and talks about the challenge and expense of a big family but how fun it is. Lawson notes that if you aren't at the front of the line food goes fast. Gil has a tree job for tomorrow, and Kelly needs help with invitations for the shower. Erin says that she and Whitney were due almost at the same time, which was so exciting, but now it is tough because of her miscarriage.
The next day the girls work on the shower; Whitney says Kelly has been a huge help during the pregnancy. They plan a lunch menu for the shower. Erin and Carlin will plan the games. The rest of the time is spent sealing and addressing invitations for the shower. Erin recounts her miscarriage and Chad gets emotional about going through the miscarriage and how much it hurt Erin.
The boys are doing tree stuff with Gil. They talk about how Gil has this business and the boys have become more and more involved as they’ve grown older. Gil says he gets asked how he affords 19 children and he says he doesn’t know and laughs. They show Gil doing tree work and Kelly talks about how nervous tree work makes her. They whole family remarks on how dangerous the tree work is.
Back at the house, Carlin and Erin go to the store to get stuff for the shower. They look in the dollar section and get supplies and prizes for the parties. Carlin says she is proud of Erin because she knows this must be hard for her. Erin says it is not about her, it’s about friendship and making Whitney feel special and important because she is so happy for her.
At Zach and Whitney’s house, Zach is working on Bradley’s room. Gil says the kids get the procrastination from him. They work on the drywall and plaster in Bradley’s room. They talk about how they don’t know if they can be ready but he will have a lot of love. Gil says if he turns out as well as Zach did, he will be so happy. Gil talks about how he felt being a father and giving Zach lots of advice for when Bradley comes. People are more important than projects, Gil says. Kelly and Gil joke about how there is no way the room will be ready for Bradley before he is born.
It’s shower time, and Erin talks about how her family procrastinates and does everything at the last minute. They are setting up the party spaces. It’s half an hour until the party so setting up is happening as quickly as possible. Kelly calls to ask them to bring Hershey Kisses for one game she forgot when she hears Trace had a car accident. His car slipped off the road and was pretty well destroyed. It looks like it was a scary wreck but he was driving too fast when he took a turn. Everyone is glad that Trace is alright despite the car rolling over. The family all goes to Trace, sees he's ok, and then returns to the baby shower. Erin is embarrassed everyone is late and they tease Zach and Whitney when they arrive. Alyssa is at the baby shower and is excited to be reunited with her family. Erin struggles for a few moments at the baby shower but Whitney is so appreciative of her efforts at the shower. They play shower games and everyone is having a nice time. Whitney opens gifts and everyone is having "joyful time together.”
Later, the family is at the house waiting for Alyssa & John’s first visit since they got married. Alyssa arrives, wearing her “Bun in the Oven” t-shirt and the family is so excited that she is pregnant and they all start screaming and getting excited. She’s 12 weeks along and the family is shocked she kept it from them. She dropped a few hints so Michael kinda knew but she was pretty excited to have it confirmed; Josie says the same thing. The older siblings joke about how their little sister is gonna be a mom before most of them are even married. Poor sweet Erin is so happy for her sister but why can’t it be her as well? Mama Jane comes over and is so happy to hear the news. Zach talks about how quickly everything has been changing.
*Episode 2: Courtship & Marriage
Kelly and Gil are on the Talking Head Couch to talk about marriages in their family. Erin, Zach and Alyssa are already married. Kelly says that all the children will make their own choices and that the rules they set are for the parent’s house. But she thinks the core choices- the values- will be the same.
At Erin’s house, some of the younger siblings are over in her kitchen. Erin says she loves having her siblings, it reminds her of home. Chad says it makes him think what it will be like if they ever have a little child. Callie, Ellie and Warden talk about how they love Erin’s house because they get popsicles, pizzas, they get to sleep on the rug and stuff like that. Erin says she doesn't like being on her own. Now, Erin & Chad talk about their relationship. They courted for 8 months, long distance, which gave them good communication skills. They saved their first kiss for the wedding, which Erin says was hard because she always wanted to kiss him. Kelly says that they have had a lot of struggles: three miscarriages. There has been a lot of grief and pain but it has drawn them closer together and closer to the Lord. Erin says since she got married she has tried to eat healthier; she has the younger siblings visiting try steamed broccoli. They aren’t huge fans. Kelly says it's a new thing for their family.
Back at the Bates compound, Michael is packing to go see Brandon, who she is courting. She is surprising him for his birthday. Gil jokes that she packs light. The little kids talk about how courtship is lots of talking before they get engaged. Gil and Michael pray for the trip. Kelly says they get general parameters: the goal is to have Christ at the center and for purity to be maintained, they like them to save their first kiss for marriage. Kelly says she and Gil did kiss before marriage so she knows what they are asking them. Michael says she and Brandon decided to save their first kiss or hold hands before engagement. They do hug though. Gil takes Michael to the airport.
At the Nancy Vick Center for Women, Zach & Whitney are having a check up. They show pictures of their wedding and Zach admits that they kissed before their wedding day and told their parents who forgave them and encouraged them. Kelly says that there was purity so that’s all that really matters and that they were encouraged by their honesty. They do the ultrasound and Zach jokes that it better still be a boy. They say Zach will be a good dad because of his many siblings. Zach says he will probably let Bradley watch Pooh Bear. Whitney says she is nervous about the labor and delivery but they are so excited to meet Bradley.
In Florida, we check in on John and Alyssa. They show pictures of their wedding. They met at a mutual friend’s wedding, got to know each other, courted, got engaged and got married. John says after marriage you can talk way more personally than before because of no more chaperones. They love being married. Their house is quiet; John works and Alyssa is home a lot as well. Getting pregnant was a huge adjustment for both of them but they're excited. Kelly and Gil talk about how much they miss her.
Michael and her chaperone Amber go surprise Brandon at Bible School. He is totally shocked to see her and they give each other a big full frontal hug. Michael was careful not to lie in her surprise and there are lots of smiles and hugs.
Back at Alyssa’s, John’s nephews and niece come over. Alyssa has missed having children around and they bake cookies. She says her family has her prepared to run her own family. Kelly says she was especially close to Josie and Katie. The older boys say they miss her cooking. Alyssa says she wants a good house full of kids but she isn't sure what number she could handle. Maybe 10, but she doesn’t think she could do 20. Alyssa says they will make their own rules like how she pierced her ears but the main thing, John says, is that God comes first in their house.
It’s Chad and Erin’s appointment at Dr Vick’s. He has information about why she had her miscarriages. It was two clotting factor issues, one has to do with folic acid and one factor called PAI. He says get her on an aspirin tablet and folic acid but he thinks that there is something they can do which makes them smile. They hope they may have a child and they are excited.
*Episode 3: Bates Go Wild
Tori and Carlin are working towards their driver’s licenses so they are going for a driving lesson with Zach and Lawson. Lawson begins the ride with a prayer for safety. Kelly says she is scared to go in the car with them so she sends Zach. Gil says it is hard because they only have very large vehicles for them to learn in. Zach tries to help them practice parking while Lawson is distracting. Zach says that he isn’t sure which sister he is more worried about. Lawson says Carlin’s confidence is ahead of her skills right now, which seems to be true, but Lawson is not really helping. Carlin takes them back to the Bates compound from the parking lot they practiced in. Carlin says they both passed their license test and that’s the important thing. Gil says that means they have 9 kids driving; the family tries to identify a best driver and fails. The Bates are tough on cars, Zach concludes.
Inside, Kelly tries to convince Callie to wear tennis shoes rather than more formal flats to go camping. Their church is going camping, although a bunch of the older kids won’t be unable to attend. Kelly attempts to get some order while parking mountains of gear and supplies for the trip. She has all the kids pitching in which is nice. Gil prepares a chalk drawing for a Bible study. He saw it at a Bible study, found it captivating, and learned how to do it. He is not a great artist- it looks better from further away, he jokes. Kelly continues trying to get the kids ready, loading stuff into their vehicles. Finally, they are ready to roll and Jeb sticks a rock in his nose. Kelly manages to help him get it out. Jeb is SO SMALL in the episode oh my goodness. After some hullabaloo about who drives, Tori dents the van pulling out. Regardless, the Bates arrive at the campsite in one piece.
The kids have a blast catching crawdads in the creek and hanging with their friends. The older siblings start trying to set up, realizing the left some tents they normally bring on camping trips because it had been a while since they went camping. The older boys set up the tents, with duct tape some “redneck engineering.” Nathan leads the effort. They manage to get it done. Gil wants to show the middle trio of boys the danger of starting a fire with a mixture of two parts oil to one part gasoline. Naturally, he does this by starting a fire with this mixture. He did this a young man and burned all his hair off. He gets the fire going. It is time for his chalk drawing. The kids and several Church members are all impressed with his message about trusting God with everything in his life. The next morning they joke that sleeping in the tents with only one blanket a person and snoring Gil didn’t work out great. Then, they decide to go canoeing. The river moves quickly and there are several little kids so you can probably picture how well it work out. Carlin volunteered to stay with the smallest kiddos (probably smart, staying dry). They toast marshmallows and she tells them stories. The canoe ride is beautiful, though more difficult than expected. Kelly Jo and Gil flip with Judson, who is very unhappy about this. They eventually return to dry land. It’s time to eat, and the Bates brought lots of burgers to grill but no charcoal for the grill so they are attempting to grill with stick and kindling. This does not go well. The food is not good, but eaten by hungry Bates. They play volleyball next and in talking heads tell us how much they enjoyed their camping trip. Gil says one of his lines: “you’re gonna remember the things that you do that are out of the ordinary.” as he remarks on how much he values these times now that some Bates are married and moving out.
*Episode 4: Training Up Bates
The Bates are packing to go see Meema, Kelly’s mother, in North Carolina, along with Beth, Becca and Kim, her sisters. Before they go, they need to work on their training. Kelly has some older helpers going but she wants them to stay in the background so the little ones can learn. The little girls say that they’re not well behaved. Kelly says now that they are soon to be grandparents they have become more lax. The older ones agree.
Thoughtfulness is their character quality of the month. In public one needs to be thoughtful of others, Kelly says. In a store, they might walk in a train-a single file line of youngest to oldest-through narrow aisles. They also learn to not make a mess in a consignment store. Gil says training is best at non confrontational time so at challenging times they know how to respond. Lesson complete, it is time to go.
The van is full and loud as they travel to Meema’s home. They are all excited to see each other. She greets Meema, her sister Kim, and then her sister Beth and her son. The Bates prepare for bed, and tomorrow they will visit Kim’s flower shop.
Michael is at her nanny job, watching two little boys outside. Kelly says Michael has always helped with babies. Michael says she wants a big family and that she and Brandon have talked about it a lot. (This breaks my heart). Gil says she will be the most well prepared mom. Michael isn’t sure when she will get engaged, probably not quite so soon, but she looks forward to a special wedding day.
In North Carolina, the Bates kids arrive at Kim’s flower shop. They tell them not to touch anything breakable and enter the store. Josie says Kim is amazing at crafts. Kim suggests they make a banner for Bradley’s nursery. The kids are obsessed with her large hot glue pot. Jeb meanwhile is on a break away around the store and Kelly tries to tell him not to touch anything. The craft complete, the Bates train up and make their way into the van. Jeb gets fussy and Kelly tries to talk to him and calm him down. It’s hard with the other kids laughing at her.
It’s time for one of my favorite scenes in Bringing Up Bates ever. Erin and Chad arrive at Doctor Vick’s. They think they are expecting. They talk about how hard their last ultrasound was where there was no heartbeat. They go into the room for their ultrasound; Erin says this is the scariest moment of her life. The tech sees the heart beating and Erin and Chad get so happy. Erin emerges with her ultrasound picture and shows the cameraman. They can’t stop smiling. They are shown how to do heparin shots twice a day. Erin say the shots and pain won’t matter once she holds that baby. Erin and Chad are precious; Baby Carson is on the way.
The other Bates last stop in North Carolina is a consignment store. Kelly says Isaiah and up will be allowed to shop for their own stuff, she and Gil will help those smaller. Kelly says this store has great prices so they try to stock up for the upcoming season. Gil says shopping at stores like these help them stretch their money. At the checkout, Gil and Kelly sort through everything the kids picked and approve it. Their total comes to a little more than $300.
Kelly says their trip was fun but it is time to go home. They load in the van and head back to TN.
*Episode 5: Nashville Son
The Bates are going to begin one of their projects, which will become legendary across my recaps as being one of the more dull aspects of this show. This project will be a garden, and I am fairly sure it does not come to fruition. Buckle up, y’all. There is a disagreement between Kelly and Gil and the kids about where the garden will go. Eventually, Gil mows both fields to get a sense of the land. They decide that one spot will hold a playground (another project shown on the show) and the other will be a garden. Lawson says he knew that was the best choice because he has been running his own landscaping company for 7 years which has grown to provide him with a nice income. Nathan says that Lawson has not grown anything edible, which Lawon concedes to.
Lawson is more occupied with his upcoming trip to Nashville to work on his music career. He packs up and heads off to Nashville. Lawson says he tries to write inspirational songs about his feelings or stories he’s heard to create an impact on listeners. He is excited but nervous because this song will be a duet. Lawson is asked whether he should focus on a music career or find a wife, he declines to answer. He says he isn’t sure which of him, Nathan or Trace will marry first, but he doesn’t think it will be him. Nathan says they’re the last of a dying breed. Lawson says his parents are great and don’t push them too hard to get in a relationship or have a particular idea.
Lawson meets with a voice coach to work on the National Anthem for a University of TN basketball game. She has him sing with his hands above his head to help fix his breathing so he will sing from his diaphragm. The vocal coach says that Lawson has a southern dialect and can engage her even when he is nervous.
Back to the garden: Gil is plowing and clearing out the land. The little kids help him and are excited about the prospect of growing food. Kelly looks at the garden and says she thinks they need Chad’s help. Me too, Kelly. Chad can do anything. They call in Chad.
Lawson is at the studio recording his new song. Lawson says a girl will come in and add harmony. He says he loves music and he wants to connect with people and hopefully inspire them. The producers ask Callie, Jud and Jeb if he could be a star. Callie says yes but Jud says no, he doesn’t look like a star. You tell him, bud. A record label guy comes in and they chat for a minute and then Rachel, the duet partner, arrives and adds to the track. Zach says Lawson has talent but needs guidance as he makes his leap into making this his career.
Back at the garden, Chad has arrived to save the day. The family sings Chad’s praises and says he can do just about anything. The Bates are trying to eat healthy but they fall short a lot of times. Chad helps them plant seeds and Gil says that this will teach them a lot of meaningful lessons.
Lawson pulls in and greets the family. He plays his new song for the family and they all enjoy it. The family is very supportive of him and Lawson says he is gonna keep trying his best.
*Episode 6: Organized Chaos
It is time for the Bates to switch out their seasonal clothes. Kelly tells them that they’ll look at the hand-me-downs and the siblings can decide what to keep and what is clutter. Some kids are excited, some are not. The laundry room is where they store clothes by gender and size. Gil pulls out Kelly’s maternity bucket and says he’s hoping to use that one. They pull everything out of the closet. They sort boys from girls and start to go through everything. Kelly sees the maternity bucket, and the girls all says they are praying for another sibling but Kelly thinks she
is getting old and it's been a while, so it might not happen. She decides to get rid of it, and if it does happen, then she will get to have the fun of going shopping for maternity stuff. They get through all the girl stuff but not the boys- they save that for another day.
In a few days the family will be performing for the Museum of Appalachia’s annual homecoming. Carlin is having them practice on the stage. They sing a silly song first as a warm up and to stop them from pouting. They practice “In this House” the old United Bates of America theme, and the littles are being silly and aren’t focusing. Carlin says that rehearsal showed her they need more time to practice.
They’re going to work on the back room of their house which is largely unfinished. It’s become a messy storage room. Chad is there so it moves along quickly. They empty the room, and some of the kids start slacking off. Chad is working hard, so is Gil. The littles are losing steam and Michael is texting Brandon. Nathan and Gil are carrying a ping pong table which falls apart, they call Chad to help. They are making good progress on the back room until it’s time for Chad to give everyone a haircut. Chad cuts all the boys hair, including the little guys. Chad even cuts Gil’s hair who says they pay in him hot meals.
It is time for the first and only rehearsal with the full family and the musicians. It is a little bit of a struggle, people make mistakes and people giggle. Carlin says between the two rehearsals, it’s not looking great.
The van pulls into the Museum of Appalachia and the Bates are worried about how well this will go. Kelly is worried the older girls will giggle and that the Littles will misbehave. The Bates are called on stage, they set up, and it is time to sing. “In this House” goes pretty well, all things considered. Carlin yodels and Lawson sings one of the songs from his CD. The audience really enjoys Lawson’s song. Lawson is glad Tori and Carlin didn’t laugh. They say performing as a family is a great way to make memories.
*Episode 7: Welcome Grandbaby Bates
Zach Bates has a bunch of paint chips for the nursery. It’s 12 days to the due date and the nursery is still a work in progress. Zach is nervous about becoming a father. Kelly says they're all voting about whether or not the nursery will be done. Zach wants to think about the paint but Whitney says there’s not enough time and they need to pick out the paint. Whitney and Zach finally pick a blue.
The family is Facetiming Alyssa and John in Florida. Alyssa is pregnant so they want an update. The family is loud and must be confusing for Alyssa. John says she is doing awesome. Whitney walks in and it gets more chaotic. The siblings say now people are getting married and having babies there will soon be a baby every quarter. They eventually say goodbye to Alyssa.
Zach and Whitney are at the thrift store shopping for Bradley. Whitney does not often approve of Zach’s choices as the store. Zach thinks babies don’t have to match and keeps pulling embarrassing jokes. Whitney says she’s ready for him to come but his room isn't ready. Zach says he’s ready as long as Bradley stays where he is.
Chad has been called in to help Zach with the nursery. Chad thinks Zach is really cutting it close in the nursery. Zach says Chad’s help means a lot especially because his baby was due a week before Bradley. Chad says he is hopeful for the future; they haven’t told the whole family yet that Erin is expecting. There are risks and they’re going through a lot, but they are excited.
Kelly takes Whitney out for lunch to look through Zach’s old baby book to go through his birth and first year. He had to spend time in the NICU because he was 4 weeks early. Kelly gives Whitney the book to bring home and walks through the old pictures with her. Little Zach looks just like Judson. Kelly says she has been told being a grandparent is better because you can have fun with the kids and then send them home but she doesn’t think this is better because she doesn’t want to send them home. Kelly says they grow so fast and she doesn’t think she will have anymore children, age has set in, but expecting Bradley has helped.
At Zach and Whitney’s house, it’s the day before her due date. Whitney says it’s peaceful at her house and when she gets lonely she goes to the Bates house. Zach arrives home from work. They eat dinner. Zach says he is used to the quieter house but he thinks they will have some noise of their own. Zach says he is too young to be called Poppa, Pops or Daddy. Kelly says that children are a huge responsibility and you cannot neglect your marriage because they’ll be gone someday, but you’re in this for the long hall. Zach says he sees why his parents did and now he sees what they were trying to teach them. Both are scared that they don’t know what they’re doing. Whitney says she has no idea how close she is to giving birth but both are ready to see him. Time has flown by, and it has been the “funnest thing.”
At a park with a large dam, it’s Whit’s due date and the older girls and Kelly have arrived to go on a power walk to see if that will move things around. Kelly says this worked for her. There’s a great moment where Kelly says she’s tried a lot of things to start labor but she can’t say everything and laughs and Zach and Whit laugh and basically imply the same thing but for now they’re trying to walk. Whit says the older girls are great to have around and she has enjoyed forming relationships with the girls, they all say she is the best sister-in-law. Tori says the baby will come tonight.
That night, Whit is having bad contractions and they are starting to think it might be labor. Josie is there timing contractions, Carlin has a camera. They call Kelly and ask her to come over. Zach starts panicking about not having anything packed, not knowing what he would need, and generally being panicky and nervous. Kelly arrives and thinks it could be labor. They call Dr. Vick and Kelly is crying laughing at how nervous Zach is. Everyone is laughing, and the contractions eventually slow. The false alarm has passed, and Zach thinks it good he got some of the nerves out.
Chad and Erin invited Gil and Kelly out for a double date to share some news. Erin says she is pregnant. Gil says he knew it and Kelly says “You were right! I didn’t believe it!” Erin is just six weeks along but they had the ultrasound so she shows them the pictures. She says it has been so hard because their baby had been due last week. Kelly says she saw the concern on their faces but they say they are nervous but hopeful. Erin tells her about the nightly shots that they learned how to do by “trial and error- on me!” They joke about Jeb being an uncle at only 2 1⁄2 years old. Chad and Erin say she is sicker than last time and they’re hopeful. Erin asks not to share this with the kids until Thanksgiving but Kelly is bad at keeping secrets so it spreads through the kids quickly.
4 days past the due date, Zach comes home with a little bench that says Bradley. Whitney’s dad has finally got the nursery finished. They are ready for Bradley. He won’t come until a few days later, when labor will be induced. Zach says he feels better that day than the last time. At the hospital, Whitney is settling in. Kelly and Gil arrive with flowers and an its a boy balloon. They’re nervous but excited. Dr. Vick delivered Callie, Jud and Jeb and he is very trusted by the family. Whit, Zach and Dr. Vick decide to break her water to help move things along. After this, her contractions get more intense. Kelly says she wishes she could help her, she wants to do something, and says its harder watching than going through it yourself. Kelly says it is up to Whitney to get an epidural. She feels so much better after she gets it and she is glad Kelly encouraged her to do what it right for her.
5 hours in, a lot of the family has gathered at the hospital. Zach is getting bored and messing around in the room. 12 hours in, Zach is napping. A few more hours and the siblings come in and visit. Kelly is touched she was invited to come to the labor. It is time everyone but the sisters, the two moms and Zach to leave. Whitney pushes and everyone is supportive of her through the pushing. Kelly says being an observer is so different, she has so much adrenaline. Michael, Zach and Kelly are right by Whit’s side, Tori and Katie and Erin are behind a curtain. He cries and Whitney pulls him close to her right away. Whit notes he’s blond and she is so happy to finally see him. Zach and Whit hold each other and Bradley close. The grandparents are thrilled and Erin says she was nervous how she would feel but the hope of her pregnancy has given her a new joy. The family floods in to meet him, they share their excitement and pray for him. Bradley Gilvin Bates has finally arrived.
*Episode 8: The Purity Ring
Lawson is practicing the National Anthem for a University of TN men’s basketball game. He’s sung it at some events but never one as large as this-15,000 people- and his family and friends will be in attendance. Kelly is proud of him for making it happen and never giving up. They head to the stadium. Kelly says this is the first time the whole family has gone to a game together. Lawson is really nervous because of the size of the crowd; Nathan says being nervous is the cause of most mishaps. It’s time to sing; The Bates family is proud of him as he sings. They all are touched by Lawson achieving his dream. Lawson says he can’t tell how it went, he slipped up a few times, but his family says it sounded great.
Back at the main house, the florist has arrived with a delivery for Carlin. It’s a bouquet and a box from her parents with an invitation to a dinner date with Mom and Dad. She has a fancy dress and flowers.They’re going out to a nice restaurant to give her a purity ring. The older guys joke that they’re held to just as high a standard without the special dinner and ring the girls get. Carlin jokes she is nervous about the large talk but thinks it will be about purity.
At Zach and Whitney’s house, Bradley naps in his swing. Gil says the family is growing quickly because Bradley just arrived, Alyssa is expecting and so is Erin. Zach and Whit say being a parent is more than they expected it to be. Zach says Whitney is an amazing mom. The Callie and the LBs are asked who is Bradley, “Nephew!” is the answer. Whit says Zach is an excellent dad. They are enjoying being parents.
Back at the main house, Carlin comes down dressed up for dinner. Kelly, Gil and Carlin go to a nice restaurant. They present her with her purity ring and talk about being pure until marriage. Carlin says the ring is gorgeous. Michael says she was the first person to get a ring and it was special, Erin says it’s gotten more formal since she and Michael did it.
At Erin and Chad’s house, Chad is giving her a shot. She hates shots but she is hopeful that it helps the baby. They are sweet together and Erin says if she has to go through this she wants to have Chad at her side.
Kelly and Gil bring supper to Zach and Whit’s house in order to help out. When all the kids arrive, they joke, this may not be as helpful as bringing Bradley to their house for supper. The siblings argue to hold Bradley, Josie gets him first, and they load the oven with Digiorno pizzas. Erin says that her parents are loving being grandparents. They talk about how being together was special and catching up with family is always great. Kelly says she was there should be a new family tradition to have a weekly or biweekly supper and Bible study with everyone. The Bates kids say putting something on the calendar will ensure they actually make time to be together.
*Episode 9: Michaella and Brandon
Brandon has arrived at the main house for a visit. He is instantly mobbed by the whole Bates family. Katie: “He stole Michael’s heart a long time ago but we barely got to know him.” Brandon has come to get to know the family and he has brought candy for everyone. The LBs are thrilled, in particular. Trace helps Brandon upstairs and he mentioned that he was 8 of 10 and that his family has very similar beliefs to the Bates. He comes back down and meets tiny baby Bradley. Michael is so happy he’s here and that she gets to see him with her siblings. Bradley gets fussy so Brandon passes him back to Kelly and says don’t worry “he’s gonna be a brother- NO an uncle-in-law! Uncle Brandon!” which is sweet. Brandon says on the talking head that he is honored to be in a relationship with Michael; she says she loves him. Kelly says the only house rule is that they can’t be in a room alone together. Kelly says he knows Michael very well, and now he should focus on getting to know the rest of them.
Brandon is outside helping the older guys with work, and Tori teases that “he might be a yankee but he knows how to work.” She explains that there is a cultural difference between Southerners and Northerners but that no one is better, just different. Brandon is gonna go on a tree job with the guys and they prepare a truck. First, they say grace and have lunch. Michael is working right now so Brandon can focus on working with the family. Kelly says it’s a test for guys who want to come into the family to go on a tree job with the Bates. John and Chad both did it. Nathan works to keep Jackson and Brandon safe on the job while showing them how the tree business works. Their woodchipper is giving them trouble first but they fix it. Next, Nathan goes upside down and drops his chainsaw so he has to readjust. Brandon asks what he can do to help and he is pulling stuff over to the chipper. Two of the middle boys wrestle. Trace says Brandon worked so hard he made Trace look bad. Brandon says once he learned how to do something he kept doing it and Michael gushes ‘diligent.’ They finish but someone locked the keys in the truck. “What a day!” says Trace.
Next, Michael and Brandon go for a walk with Kelly and Gil. He says the visit is going well so far. The parents let Michael and Brandon walk on ahead of them to talk without worrying about them hearing but keeping them in eyeshot. There’s a nice montage of Brandon and Michael walking in the woods; in talking heads they talk about how much their relationship means to them. They say purity is important and they’re saving their first kiss for their wedding day. They arrive at a picnic bench and Kelly and Gil sit with the couple. They’ve got booklets to talk about relationships. They give them a book to work through but tell them to save the last chapter until closer to wedding time because it’s about sex-naturally they don’t say sex but they joke about it. They talk about the value of good communication. The parents say they are so happy for the two of them.
Brandon has decided to take the littles (and some helpers) to an inflatable park to focus on spending time with the younger siblings. There are huge slides and bounce houses and it looks like a blast for the littles. The middle boys say Brandon was brave to bring them all. Tori tries to drag Brandon on the slide. Brandon concedes that he will slide with Judson. He finally does. Brandon tells Michael he needs to restrain her sister. Next, Tori tries to pull Brandon into a bounce house but he shows Michael that she is grabbing him and Michael tells her “hands off!” Michael says if she can’t touch him, Tori can’t either.
Next, Brandon is brought bowling with Lawson, Nathan and Trace. Kelly and Gil say their boys are another obstacle for guys wanting to join the family. Nathan asks if Brandon has any ideas about when they’ll get engaged. Brandon says he’s not sure they can keep a secret. Brandon in a talking head says there’s a few things he wants to keep hidden for now. Michael says her brothers did this to Chad and John as well; it makes her feel loved that they care so much about her but she did feel for what Brandon would have to go through. Erin says Lawson is the worst about this. They try to convince him to move south when they get married. Brandon says he gets it- he wouldn’t want to lose a sister like Michael either. The brothers say they think this couple are a good fit.
Brandon is hoping for an engagement in the near future, so he brings the sisters(Tori, Carlin, and Josie) shopping with him to get ideas. The sisters point out rings that they think are beautiful and they chat with a salesman at the shop. Michael says she wants to be completely surprised by the proposal and she’s told her parents to keep the secret if they find out. All the sisters have a different opinion on what Michael will like in a ring. They say Brandon won’t tell them anything about the engagement because if he tells one Bates, he tells all the Bates. Brandon says he doesn’t want to get her just anything so he will have to save up. Brandon gets a better sense of his options within his budget at the store.
The family is overall excited about their visit with Brandon and they want to spend more time with him in the future.
*Episode 10: A Big Bates Thanksgiving
At the main house, the Bates are packing to go to visit Mama Jane and Papa Bill and then to see Alyssa in Florida. All the kids get to work packing.
Erin arrives at Dr. Vick’s to find out the gender of the baby and put it in an envelope. Erin won’t look at it but will pass it on to her cousin, Catherine, and she will make a blue or pink cake and reveal it to the family. Erin really wants to open the envelope but refrains.
The Bates have been packing for Thanksgiving and Kelly is checking over to make sure the kids have what they need. The little girls say a toothbrush is most important not to forget, and then clothes. Middle boys say underwear is the priority. Finally, they load the vans and being their trek to South Carolina. Lawson forgets his guitar- which his siblings say he frequently does- and then they really head out.
At Gil’s parents house, Mama Jane and Papa Bill are discussing the incoming arrivals. They start counting up the number of guests they will have. It’s about 3 hours and 15 minutes according to GPS but with bathroom stops they end up needing 4 ½ hours. They make a restroom stop and fill up the vans with gas. Jane and Bill say it’s gonna be 34 people-no, 36- and the other Bates say it’s hard to know when the largest Bates family will arrive. Jane says they will need a tent to feed 36 people. They sit down to have a cup of coffee and relax. The middle boys say their grandparents’ house is quiet but that changes when they arrive. At the rest stop, the Bates are dismayed to find out that it has two one stall bathrooms so everyone waits their turn to go. The Bates ensure everyone has got back in the car and they resume their trip. Mama Jane calls Michaella and she says they are 10 minutes away. They arrive at the house, and Gil explains the property is divided between their parents, his brother Greg, his sister and himself though he is the only one who doesn’t live on the land. Alyssa and John are there already. The grandparents greet the family, and Mama Jane is particularly excited to meet Bradley and Brandon.
It’s Thanksgiving morning and poor Jeb is having a rough day. Callie has accidentally smashed his fingers in the door. Callie and Ellie go hide after she does. Jeb screams and fusses (no wonder, that hurts even as a grown up). They send the kids to Uncle Greg’s for a popsicle and they put a bandaid on Jeb. Jeb says popsicles make everything better.
Breakfast is ready and it’s Papa Bill’s famous grits- the kids rave about them. Bill says he goes by the label and measures carefully. Jane passes out juice cups with names on them because she doesn’t want the Bates to be wasteful. Jenny, Gil’s sister, says it's a roller coaster whenever they come to visit and it’s a lot of cooking, serving meals and cleaning up. Mama Jane gets to work on Thanksgiving dinner. Alyssa and Tori help. Alyssa is a lot like Mama Jane- orderly, neat, particular, good at getting the job done. Jane keeps making and losing lists. Outside, they’re setting up the tent and tables. Brandon and Michael do crafts with the kids outside. Each child gets a turkey and they write what they are thankful for on the feathers. Michael says Brandon has a heart for kids and that is attractive to her. They race to see who can blow up balloons the fastest and hang decorations in the tent. Carlin stands on the table to hang stuff, Zach says Mama Jane was a nurse and is particular about keeping feet off the table (fair enough really) and they try to hide it from her but sure enough she comes out and calls her out for this. Carlin says she should have taken the tablecloths off first.
Kelly says it's nice Brandon could be there to connect to the siblings. Chad and Erin arrive and greet everyone. Kelly says they should take the family picture while the lighting is good. Erin says Chad has been taking the family pictures for years and they joke that it was a way for them to see each other. Stop being so cute, you guys. They argue about where to stand. Brandon is going to be in the family photo for the first time. They get all line up and Greg takes the actual picture so Chad can be in the picture. They take a bunch in hope for one good one.
Chad and Erin bring the envelope to Catherine, her cousin, who is gonna make the cake. Jenny says she and Craig had similar fertility problems and so she was glad to be able to be there for Erin. She is so excited for this baby. Catherine is so cute and excited to be a part of the reveal. Chad and Erin leave and Catherine opens the envelope.
There is a traditional big family football game that only the guys participate in. They play married guys versus single. Erin says that’s not fair because single guys have more to prove. The girls cheer them on. They play football and talk about Gil being competitive. Trace is the best footballer player, the siblings say. Zach says Nathan likes to take people out and this year he takes out Zach with his knee. Zach is slightly hurt but Papa Bill says he is glad no one has to go to the hospital. The single guys end up winning and it is time for dinner.
They pray and then prepare to eat. They go over the amount of all the food and let me just sum it up by saying IT IS A LOT OF FOOD. There are even leftovers at the end of the day. They talk about how many people will be there in four years. Mama Jane says it would be nice if one of them would take over thanksgiving so she could relax more but Papa Bill says she won’t be going to their house anytime soon. Mama Jane says Alyssa, Erin or Michael could do it but Michael will probably be too far away. People eat quickly and it is cold outside. They finish up and head to Greg’s to say what they’re thankful for and cut the cake.
They go around and share what they are thankful for and there are tears and lots of good sharing, in general they are thankful for family and being together. The kids talk about how special this is. Erin and Chad are thankful for their baby on the way. They announce they will share the gender with everyone. Gil says they should wait but they don’t want to. Catherine made a very cute cake and they gather around. Little girls say girl, Little boys say boy. They cut the cake and it’s blue. They will have a boy and they are so excited. They enjoy the cake and talk about looking forward to the future. Papa Bill and Mama Jane swing dance while the family watches. They show a picture of their wedding day and Bill and Gil could be twins. Nathan tries to learn how to swing dance with Jane and his siblings make fun of his dancing ability.
It’s the day after Thanksgiving and the Bates family is hitting the road and heading to Florida. Erin and Chad have to return to TN to work. Michael and Brandon are staying in South Carolina for one more night, he has a flight back tomorrow. The rest of the family heads out. Zach jokes that Bradley might have a girl in his life-a sister. (Good prediction, Zach) Nathan says there might be more wives or girlfriends. Lawson says he won’t be married before next Thanksgiving (Good prediction, Lawson). Jane says when they leave and she can relax, it’s wonderful. The big Bates family is heading to Florida.
*Episode 11: The Bates go to Florida
After their time in South Carolina, the Bates are heading to Alyssa’s house in Florida. Alyssa jokes that the littles like touching everything so she puts it all away before they get there. She does have a nice Christmas tree up. She says they did have a gender reveal ultrasound to find out that they’re having a girl when she was 16 weeks.
The van pulls out and the Bates start running into Alyssa’s house. They are excited to see Alyssa, compliment her house, and talk about Allie Jane. Kelly says she is excited to have a granddaughter but wishes they were closer. Then, Kelly rounds up everyone and tells them Alyssa keeps her house spotless and they should too. If they want anything out of the fridge or cabinets, they need to ask.
In the future nursery, Kelly and Alyssa talk about what she still needs before Allie arrives. Tori comes in and they talk about visiting after the baby is born. Alyssa says mom and dad can come right away but the siblings should wait for one month. Tori and Josie try to convince her but Alyssa says it’s John’s decision (kinda throwing him under the bus) and the girls say they’ll get him on their side. Zach and Whitney are staying at Alyssa’s house because of their new baby.
Alyssa has asked Gil to trim the tree in her house yard. He has brought some gear in order to do it and he goes up the tree to trim it. In the kitchen, Kelly says she worries Alyssa pans aren’t big enough for the family. Kelly and Alyssa cook and Kelly asks when the last time she cooked for the whole family was. Alyssa says before the wedding, and Kelly asks if she’s lost her touch. Alyssa says she doesn’t know. Carlin dropped some garlic bread but Kelly just puts it in the oven.
John arrives as they are cooking and hugs Alyssa. They tell him about the bread and John says it’s not a big deal. Outside, Gil has made a lot of progress on the tree. Kelly asks if they can feed the younger ones supper while the tree guys finish up and Gil arrives. Lawson and Josie ate bread anyway, but Katie didn’t. Gil finishes the tree work, comes inside, and says they’re gonna go to an aquarium and the beach while they’re in Florida.
The Bates arrive at the beach for the first time in 7 years. Ellie, Callie and the little boys had never been to the beach at all. Kelly Carlin and Katie go and pick a spot away from people because they’re not dressed modestly. Kelly tells them to look at the sand until they find their spot.
They arrive and the water is chilly. It doesn’t stop the little guys and some of the older ones from playing in the water/ pushing each other in. We are reminded again that the Bates are so much more modest than everyone else. The pig guys push Gil in. John is determined to push Lawson in as well, and the older guys surround him and pick him up and drop him in.
Next, they go to the Clearwater Aquarium to see all the creatures but especially a famous dolphin. Gil gets them all a discount because Alyssa is a Florida resident. Inside the aquarium, they are excited to see the animals being rehabilitated. They see some otters, including one partially paralyzed one, but what the Bates remember it is that they stink.
Next, they go outside and see the dolphins. Nicholas the dolphin’s mother died and he didn't leave her washed up on a beach and got a horrible sunburn that crippled him so now he lives at the aquarium. He does tricks for the Bates kids and they are amazed.
Next, they go see Winter and Hope. Winter was in a movie-A Winter’s Tale- where she gets a prosthetic tail. They are excited to get to see such a famous dolphin.
The next day, they go to a citrus grove. Zach, Whitney, Bradley and Nathan have to head back to TN. The rest of the family is excited to pick and try fresh oranges. They learn the technique and pick oranges. Josie says it's unreal how good the oranges are. Next, they go for a ride on the world's largest monster truck which fits the whole family. They go off in the truck to explore trails. They see an alligator and drive through a swamp. This stresses out a bunch of the Bates because they’re worried they won’t make it (these guys have clearly done it before. It’s fine) The little girls are really freaking out but they make it through. The monster truck takes them by their animals. They feed oranges to cows, see a Zebra named barcode, and some Watusi, which are long horned African cattle. They make a show of the Bates mispronouncing the name. Alyssa says the trip was a blast and she thinks they will be back soon. Kelly says she misses Alyssa being at home more now.
*Episode 12: All About the Bates
This episode will feature the Bates answering viewer questions.
They ask a bunch of the kids “do you guys want another brother or sister?” everyone says yes. They ask the parents if they are planning on having more and Gil says yes but the Lord hasn’t answered their prayers for more. “We’re trying and nothing’s happening” Kelly says.
Do all the kids want a large family or an average sized one? Zach and Whit: large, Erin and Chad: we have one on the way, but who knows what will happen? It never gets boring.
How old do the children have to be to court? 18, Kelly says, based on finishing school. Tori says it should be older for the less mature kids.
What are the rules for dating? Tori: don’t date them unless you’re planning on marrying them. Gil: emphasis the communication, not the physical.
Should Brandon propose to Michaella? Yes! Soon! How should he propose? With a ring, down on one knee, and ask “will you marry me?” Is Lawson the next to get married after Michaella? Most people say no. What do you look for in a guy/girl? When you start describing, you start excluding. Tori: I am open to giving anybody a chance. Michael: Send in your resumes to Tori! Lawson: a woman that loves people, serving others, children and the Lord. Will there be a Bates/Duggar wedding? We hope-you’ll have to watch. Who is messier, boys or girls? (kids yell the gender they aren’t) until Jackson says definitively, girls.
Who’s had the most car accidents? Boys. Who is the most outgoing? Tori and Nathan. Who is the most bossy? Tori/ Carlin/ Alyssa for sure. Who has the best style? Josie.
Raising a big family. Do you think your parents have gone soft on crime in their old age? Yes, the majority say. “Grandparents syndrome” is what Gil and Kelly call it. Do Jed and Judson know what behaving means? No, everyone says. Do you have any tips for discipline? Don’t be an angry parent, Gil says. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Talking it out is important. It takes time, Gil says. Encourage them to do what’s right. Is Tori a good cook? Yes! Do you have any tips or recipes for a large family? Plan it out a week in advance. Our families favorite are fried and sauteed chicken. She then gives the recipes for sauteed chicken. With 19 kids, is it hard to tell the Baby photos apart?
Kelly: it’s a boy- Zach. Nope, it’s Jackson.
Kelly: Carlin Brianne! Everyone gets this one- Carlin.
Kelly: That’s Katie!
Kelly: Oh boy… really early. Nathan: Absolutely Tori. Nope, that’s Warden
Tori: This is Lawson, Nathan or Trace. Nathan: That has to be Lawson. Kelly: That is Zach!
Nathan: Oh, that’s a girl! Kelly: Oh, hold on, that’s Isaiah.
Girls: Jeb! Boys: Lawson? Trace? Kelly: Trace! Carlin: I don’t know who none of these babies are.
Those talented Bates: does anyone have a hidden talent? Lawson sings, Erin plays piano. Jackson is great at getting dirty. Carlin yodels. Is there anything Chad can’t do? Erin: No.Chad: I think you’re biased. The middle boys say he can’t fly or have a baby. Next, the middle boys give a house tour. The little girls show their room, the little boys room off their room, and two full baths off the girls room. The middle boys show the older boys room and then their room which they share with Lawson. The middle boys and little girls show the laundry room.
What’s your favorite moment from the last year? Trace: playing football at the grandparents. Gil: The canoe ride on the church camping trip. Middle boys: monster truck in florida. Nathan: When he and John Webster carried Lawson into the ocean and dropped him. Zach and Whit: Bradley’s birth. Kelly: It’s hard to say a favorite moment.
*Episode 13: A Birthday to Remember
Gil is turning 50 years old and the kids are meeting at Zach and Whitney’s house to discuss plans. They left Gil with the youngest girls and boys and told him they were having movie night with Zach and Whitney. Nathan is the lead on this party, and he has found and invited a lot of Gil’s old friends. The plan is to have Kelly take Gil out for the night before and then have them come back the next afternoon and surprise him with this big party. Carlin and Erin are put in charge of skits. They plan on writing him a letter with a bit from each kid, Lawson will do a song. Michael and Tori will do the food, they need a cleaning crew and a people to decorate. They finalize the plans and break for the night.
A famous story has been that Gil beat Papa Bill on his 50th birthday at tennis. Nathan has wanted to repeat that but with wrestling. Lawson has decided that he’s gonna wrestle Gil as well. Nathan tries to get them to wear wrestling leotards but they refuse and wrestle in jeans. Nathan loses but claims he won by pinning Gil after he pinned Nathan. Then it’s Lawson’s turn. Lawson losses as well.
Michael asks Nathan for numbers for chips and drinks. He says about 100, not counting the Bates. They coordinate the food and snacks and decorations and Nathan is excited to see it all coming together. Tori and Carlin go shopping and figure out what to get. They override Michael and don’t get cauliflower because they don’t like it. Tori tries to stick to the list, Carlin is trying to modify the list and says it’s not enough.
Kelly and Gil are going out. Gil is excited for the overnight stay and is happy she’s kept this overnight a surprise. Nathan is put in charge of Bible study, and Kelly tells them all to clean while they’re gone. They finally depart, and the kids are all nervous he is figuring it out.
Now that Gil is gone, it’s time to get stuff together. The skits need to be finished up, the place needs to be cleaned and they need to decorate. They get started cleaning and preparing. Carlin says they need to practice the skits. They’re missing having their mom there to help.
Gil and Kelly arrive at Maple Grove Bed and Breakfast. It’s there first time staying in a bed and breakfast. Gil says it was like going back in time. They swing on a big swing they have outside the inn. Gil says if turning 50 is this nice he wishes he could do it again.
Decorations are going up, the older girls are working hard in the kitchen. Lawson is in his room working on the song for Gil. Carlin is still running around crazy.
Kelly and Gil are alone at the bed and breakfast because it’s the offseason. They have dinner in front of the fire with ice tea and a lovely looking salad. They are really enjoying the time together and reflecting on what being 50 means.
Back at the house, they’re working on the skits of their dad’s live. They frequently do skits in church. Practice isn’t going that well. They need to get props together. It feels chaotic, which nicely juxtaposes with Gil and Kelly’s dinner.
Gil and Kelly talk about how they met, how he proposed and their marriage. She said he has been such a good husband because he makes their marriage a priority and she thinks the married kids have the relationships they have because of his example. Gil says he wishes he was the example she describes but he knows he needed a lot of help from her along the way. They talk about how many exciting things have happened this year and how much they have to look forward to it.
Back at the house, it is the day of the party. Trace is sent to get the cake. Tori and Michael will finish the food. The littles are gonna work on balloons and decorations. There is a lot of last minute preparations. Lawson is changing the song, Carlin says we don’t have time for all this. Carlin is in full blown panic mode. Lawson works on his song with Zach and someone on bass. They get the decorations together and people start arriving, including Meema, Papa Bill and Mama Jane. Nathan is running around like crazy getting people into the house. Nathan says his dad can beat him at wrestling but he will never beat him in parties. Kelly brings Gil back and blindfolds him as they come back to the house. He thinks the kids may be getting him back for the wrestling.
Kelly walks him up to the house and pulls the blindfold off and everyone yells surprise! Gil is surprised to see how many people are there. He cries and holds a little guy who runs right up to him. They sit him down in the front row in front of the stage. First, they have some old buddies talk from behind a curtain and then Gil would guess who it was. Gil is excited to see everyone.
They perform the skits of Gil’s life including meeting for the first time and standing her up on their first date. He forgot about it. Then they talk about them deciding to not use birth control and the kids all come out on stage and conclude the skit. Nathan talks about the time Gil wrote all the kids notes before a particularly dangerous tree job and says they decide to write him notes as well. They write about the impact Gil has had on their life. Gil is touched. Lawson sings his song. Gil sweetly thanks everyone for coming and making him feel so special and he talks about how special everyone made him feel. Nathan is thrilled it turned out so well. It’s time for cake. Gil says he feels old and he can’t get his mind around being 50.
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