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: He or She, What Will the Baby Be?
At the Bates house, Kelly & Gil talk about what has been going on: the COVID outbreak, their family members having COVID, a new Webster baby on the way, Josie & Kelton working on their house, Lawson bringing little Esther to America for surgery, and Katie in a relationship.
At the warehouse at the back of Zach & Whitney's property, Carlin and Whitney are working (Layla is supervising). The little warehouse is already full to bursting, and they are excited to expand their business, Bates Sister Boutique (BSB)—potentially they will open a storefront. Carlin, Whitney, and Erin are working with an organization, Hands Up for Women, which helps women from all walks of life, including those who are recently incarcerated, and provides them with 12 months of skill-building courses. BSB is creating baskets to send them their way. Erin isn't with them today since she is recovering from COVID. Several family members got it, but Erin has had the hardest time with it. Carlin and Whitney want to include Erin in the basket making, and she appreciates it. They finish their baskets and celebrate.
[TW: Miscarriage]
At Josie & Kelton's, Josie and Willow are in the kitchen. Josie says she feels like Willow went from a baby to a toddler overnight. Kelton returns home, and Kelton says the pandemic has been good for the home services industry: since people are home, they're breaking things twice as much. But he is happiest spending time with his family. Their house renovation is chaos right now—they don't even have a kitchen sink. Kelton says this year has been an interesting adjustment. Josie & Kelton tried to conceive for several months and were surprised with how long it took. When Josie did get pregnant, she sadly miscarried. Josie says their world turned upside down, and it was one of the most helpless things she experienced. Josie has set up an appointment to see if she has the blood clotting disorder her sisters have, just to see if that might be something going on. Josie says she is terrified about having another baby after her loss since they don't know what happened, but God's timing is always right. Josie says they do still hope to have more children one day, and they are looking forward to it so much.
[/TW: Miscarriage]
With everything going on this year, Zach has been working 50-to-60-hour weeks and is considering leaving law enforcement and returning to the tree business. Today, Zach is out with Gil working a tree job. Zach says he has been working long hours, and he remembers how big an influence his dad was in his life. Zach wants to be able to be as present with his children as Gil was with him. Zach’s twelve-hour days take away too much time with his family. Zach is going to miss a lot about law enforcement and serving people in a small community. The family gives tributes to his service and say they will miss having him protect them. Zach also says he has been sitting a lot at work and is looking forward to the more physical work. Whitney says she has seen him struggle with this decision, and it's overwhelming to see how much he loves his family. Whitney says it will be a good change, and she can't wait to have him at home.
At Chad & Erin's house, Erin and her family head outside with Tammy Paine to talk about Erin's recovery. Erin says Chad has been a hero with all the work he's been doing. Chad tears up talking about watching her have a hard time throughout the headaches and fatigue, and he is amazed by her strength. Erin & Chad said that having COVID put them in a tough place, and since they needed help, Tammy dropped everything and has been helping them for a few weeks. Erin says she is trying to do everything she can to get better soon. Chad says the unknowns are so hard. Chad says they are pursuing answers and trying to get Erin the help she needs. They are hanging on to hope.
Alyssa is expecting, and the show features the clips from her YouTube of her announcing her pregnancy. John is hoping for a boy, and Alyssa says it must be a girl. Alyssa says one of them will be right, and John says he's usually wrong.
Kelly and Michael go for a walk, and Kelly says she wants to get caught up on Michael's nursing school progress. Michael has to pass state boards, and she is studying and waiting to get an exam date. Nursing school is all consuming, and she is hoping to get a test date soon. Erin talks about how proud she is of Michael for achieving her dreams. Kelly has already been asking her medical questions, as Kelly has been experiencing some scary health problems. She has had GERD for years, which has turned into pre-cancerous cells. The medicine isn't working, and she aspirates at night, and she's had pneumonia. There is a surgical option, but there are risks to getting the surgery. Michael tells her to lay out her pros and cons, and Michael says the fact that she isn't sleeping is concerning. Michael seems to be leaning towards surgery. Kelly jokes that she wishes Michael could be her nurse, and Michael says she'll be there to help regardless.
Lawson is at LAX to meet Esther Faith for her surgery. Lawson met her in the Philippines and became involved in helping her seek medical attention. Ester was she was born with a congenital heart issue and needed surgery in the US. If everything goes well, her open-heart surgery will be tomorrow. She'll then go through recovery before heading back to the Philippines. They pray over Esther, and Nathan talks about how much effort it took to get her here, and now they are ready for her to get this surgery. Surgery goes really well, and the recovery begins. Nathan says she will never have another surgery and won’t have limitations for the rest of her life.
At Josie & Kelton's, Grace, Josie's business partner, arrives. Effortless Beauty Company, Josie and Grace’s business, is a year old and growing like crazy. They’re looking to add new stylists, including Katie. Josie and Katie are doing an advanced makeup class online during COVID, and today they're doing airbrush. Josie says being a new stylist is really scary and nerve-wracking. Katie gets to work figuring out the technique, and says it is hard to do it in front of her two bosses. Katie finishes the makeup look on Josie, and Josie is impressed and proud of her. Josie says Katie will only get better as time goes on.
In Florida, the Websters are setting up their livestreamed gender reveal at their friend’s house. Their families are watching it live. Alyssa's friend calls Gil, to let him know the gender so he can shoot off a popper at the same time. Gil is excited he gets to be the first to know for the first time, and totally rubs it in Kelly's face. The livestream starts, and everyone is excited. Suddenly, the livestream freezes, and everyone is worried about why it isn't working. It resumes, everyone gets their guesses in. They pop the poppers and pink confetti rains down. The Websters are excited for four girls, and the family all celebrates. Some of the Bates brothers are a little bummed that there's no boy, and Whitney says she has a little girl squad. The family thought the livestream was fun, and it was nice to get to all find out together. Kelly says 2020 will go down in history, and there are so many exciting things on the horizon.
*Episode 2: Smitten in the Smoky Mountains
At the main house, Jeb is very happy to see Travis arrive. COVID put a big damper on Katie & Travis's ability to get together, so they are excited to reunite. It is Katie's birthday, and she is super excited. Travis says Katie loves her birthday and she loves to tease him about being 5 months older. He gives her a gift, which is a dress for Katie to wear to a restaurant in downtown Knoxville. Katie jokes that the chaperone options are getting slimmer, and they end up picking Ellie and Addee to come along. Kelly jokes that soon they won't be chaperones, they'll have to bring a little kid to babysit.
Chad says that Bates Sisters Boutique (BSB) has grown out of two spaces, and now they are opening a large new space with a storefront. Chad, Carlin, Whitney, Zach, and Layla are there to get into their third space. It is in Rocky Top, and their landlord greets them with the key. They open the space, and Chad is excited about the renovations done so far, and the team begins discussing how they will use the space. Right now, the plan is to get the space ready and use it as a warehouse. They Facetime Erin, who is still struggling with COVID complications. Erin is glad to get to be included and see the space. Carlin and Whitney say once Erin feels up to it, they need her eye to lay out the space. Whitney says they might still grow out of this space, and Zach jokes that if they start getting into selling shoes, there's no end to what they can do.
Travis, Katie, Ellie, and Addee head out in downtown Knoxville for some outdoor dining. Katie says being a chaperone is a good deal, since you can order whatever you want and enjoy it. At least that's what she did as a chaperone—and she's maybe set a bad precedent. They talk about how excited she is for her birthday celebration, and she jokes that she wants a whole week.
The next day, the Bates family sets off to go to Gatlinburg to visit Anakeesta for the day. Last year they tried to do this, and everything had to shut down due to a huge windstorm. But today there is no wind, and everyone is excited to get on the zipline. Jed, Jud, and Callie are under the weight limit, so they won't be able to ride. Jud is particularly disappointed he can't zipline, but Jeb is happy. Everyone is excited zipline—they are especially excited to go on the attraction that features "dueling" ziplines, where two people ride next to each other and race. Of course, the Bates kids love the competition. Poor Ellie gets stuck on the zipline, and one of the staff as to crawl out there and pull her back. She gets another good run, and the siblings enjoy racing each other. Everyone enjoyed the ziplines and had a blast.
Meanwhile, the little ones are going gem mining with Travis, Katie, and Kelly. If you're not familiar with this activity, click this link for a description and photos. Katie jokes that Travis should get a bag with a ring in it. Everyone has fun searching for fossils, gems, and crystals in their bags. Callie then begins to joke that they're waiting for Travis to get a ring out of his bag. Katie apologizes for the teasing, and Callie thinks this would have been a great proposal. Jeb agrees. Travis says it would be risky. Kelly asks Travis how much school he has left. Travis says he has a year and a half left, since he's on a three-year track. Kelly asks if he thinks he wants to wait to graduate before taking the next step, and Travis says, "We'll see." Gil says he is pretending engagement is way down the road, and he says Travis hasn't talked to him yet. Katie says her family isn't subtle, but they're taking their time. Katie says she just wants to be married one day.
The last thing Katie wants to do is take a photo on top of the Anakeesta Tower. The family treks up the stairs, and they take a picture. Katie loves it. Travis says time is flying—he can't believe it's been a year since the first time he came on a family vacation, and they're enjoying getting closer. Katie had a great birthday, but Jeb thinks she needs a ring for her next one.
*Episode 3: Nathan's New Romance and a Secret Birthday Bash
Kelly's birthday and GERD surgery are both coming up, and the sisters wanted to plan a special birthday to celebrate her before the surgery. The family gathers, and Gil brings Kelly in. They sing Happy Birthday and Kelly is delighted with the surprise. The family has a meal, and then it is time for the traditional birthday praises. Michael has asked the siblings to think of childhood memories they had with Kelly. Zach goes firs: he jokes that when he was an only child (since he was the first born), he was so great that his mom tried 18 more times to replicate him. Zach talks about Kelly teaching him to read. Erin talks about how encouraging her mom was to her piano playing. Carlin talks about how her mom got on her level. Callie always cries during these and talks about how her mom makes her feel special. Josie says she is such a sweetheart. Callie says praises always make her emotional. Kelly says it is so heartwarming to have this connection with your kids and that this means the most to her. Michael then gathers everyone around to pray about the surgery and Facetimes Alyssa in so she can be there. Gil leads the family in prayer over Kelly, and Carlin talks about how important prayer is to their family. The party wraps up, and everyone talks about how special it was.
At the main house, Michael arrives to see Kelly after her surgery. It has been 48 hours since surgery, and Kelly says she is surprised with how well she is doing. Michael is helping Kelly post-surgery since she is a recent nursing school grad. Kelly tells Michael she had a full night's sleep with no reflux or reflux medicine, and she is thrilled she did the surgery. She is on a liquid diet, and her kids have been having fun pureeing stuff (even though Kelly isn't feeling up to eating a lot yet). Michael says she is glad her mom is doing well and leaves her to get some rest.
Lawson talks about being an animal lover growing up and wanting his own dog as an adult. Lawson heard about Duke from a friend and fell in love with him. Since he is a constable, Lawson wants to teach Duke to do search and rescue. A trainer in the area has arrived to help him, and they talk about dog training. Lawson talks about whether the dog needs to be bonded to just him, and the trainer says there is disagreement about it among trainers, but he supports having an open, social dog. In a talking head, Zach says a dog at the Bates house is going to be too coddled and loved on to be a police dog. The trainer introduces Duke to clicker training. The trainer is doing great with Duke, and Lawson is grateful he is off to a good start.
It is time for Kade's birthday party, which has been impacted by the Bates exposure to COVID. Bobby & Tori are just celebrating with just Bobby's parents. The party, even though it was just them, started late and hit in the middle of Kade's nap time. Tori sets up for the party, and a tired Kade isn't excited about her decorations or the cupcakes she brought for him to decorate. Kade is just not interested. Kolter was interested in smearing the frosting all over his face. Alyssa started a tradition with Kade: since they share a birthday, she sent him a gift. Tori knows Alyssa will have gotten him a cool gift, so they open hers first. It is a play golf set. They take it out and start showing him how to use it, and suddenly Kade is interested. Even with the small party and tired birthday boy, Bobby says it was a fun birthday.
At the main house, Gil and Nathan are bringing in firewood and Kelly brings them out tea since there was no hot chocolate. Nathan asks when the family Christmas party will be, and Kelly says the 19th, and asks if that works for him. Nathan says yes. Nathan then talks about Esther, who he met at a mutual friend’s wedding several years ago. They immediately became close friends. Nathan says he will bring Esther to meet the family for Christmas. Zach says everyone knows there was someone in Nathan's life, but Nathan has apparently been keeping it quiet. Nathan says it is time for everyone to get to know Esther and for her to be a part of family events. Nathan says he has asked Esther to be his girlfriend officially. Kelly says Nathan is mature and ready to settle down. Nathan says he wants the families involved and asks his parents for advice. Kelly tells him to take it slow, get to know each other, and develop that relationship. Nathan is glad to have his family involved and excited for these next steps.
*Episode 4: 'Tis the Season For Surprises
Katie is teaching Ellie, Addee, and Callie how to curl their hair. Katie says she is the only older girl in the house right now, so she wanted to do a fun bonding activity. Ellie, Addee, and Callie are not sure about learning, but Katie says they should learn now before she leaves. The girls say they will miss Katie, but Callie is looking forward to having her own closet in the girls’ room. Travis will be coming soon, and Kelly says engagement is inevitable. His sister is recently engaged as well. Kelly asks Katie if they have any timeline, and Katie says she'll know when Travis talks to her dad, since he'll tell her mom and her mom will tell her. Everyone laughs but agrees that Kelly isn't great at secrets. Kelly says Nathan is bringing his girlfriend as well, and everyone is excited to meet them. Katie is glad the pressure will be shared. The family will be spending Christmas all together, since Alyssa is due in February, they're not sure she can make the Valentine’s Day party.
Meanwhile, the guys get to work decorating the outside of the house. Jackson is just back from ALERT and wants to get the lights up. Jackson is glad to be home for Christmas after ALERT, and Zach is there to see him but got put to work on the lights. Nathan pulls up with Esther, and the family is excited to meet them. The work stops, and everyone rushes over to meet her. Esther is excited to meet everyone, and Whitney, in particular, is glad to meet them. Esther is also from a big family, and she says, "The more the merrier!"
The couples (and Trace) gather around a bonfire for a chance to meet Esther. Nathan teasingly makes Carlin move so he can sit next to Esther. Everyone works together to try to start the fire, and John jokes that the fire just needs "more people with more ideas to get it going." Eventually it starts burning, and Carlin asks for Nathan and Esther's story. They met at a mutual friend’s wedding, and Nathan thought she had the bluest eyes he'd ever seen. A week went by of them chatting, and Nathan wanted to be more than friends, and they kept talking every day. Esther told him she wanted to be with him as well, and they've been talking for about a year. They waited a bit to go public, but they seem very happy. Carlin says she wanted to support them, and they're all glad that Nathan is so happy. Nathan asked Esther to be his girlfriend on her birthday, and Nathan says they'll see about the timelines, but Nathan knows Esther is the one. Nathan genuinely seems thrilled, and the night is a success.
At Zach & Whitney's, they are decorating gingerbread men for a gender reveal. Whitney says she is excited for their fourth baby, and the plan is to give blue or pink cookies as a gift to the grandparents at the Christmas family photos. There is going to be multiple announcements at that time, Zach says. Bradley hopes for a boy, and Kaci wants a girl (shocker). Whitney is excited to tell everyone at the party.
Josie & Kelton arrive at a parking garage to do their gender reveal with Willow. Josie is excited to share that they're having another baby, and they don't know if it is a boy or a girl. They are going to find out by doing a photo shoot with her friend. This time, they wanted it to just be their little family finding out together. So, they twist the poppers and celebrate, but the episode doesn't show the color. They plan to tell everyone at the Christmas party.
It is time for the Christmas party, and Kelly says they have tried to be careful during COVID. Tori's family is sick and unable to make it, but everyone else was healthy and there. Zach & Whitney get their cookies ready, and then it is time to head out for pictures. The family pictures begin, and then it is time for the big family photo. It is very cold out, but the family gathers together for the photos. Then, it is announcement time. Josie goes first and gives her father-in-law a gift. It is an ornament, and one side says "Baby Girl" and the other says "Hazel Sloane Balka." Everyone celebrates. Zach & Whitney go next, but Zach gives them one without color first as a prank, and then they get the cookie with the blue frosting. Bradley is so happy to have a brother. Erin is announcing on behalf of Tori & Bobby, and Kelly is excited to learn they are having a girl named Charlotte Raine. Everyone gets out of the cold, and Gil gathers the family to talk about Jesus. The family then sings carols. Gil says there are four new babies on the way, and two new relationships in the works, and there is a lot to celebrate.
*Episode 5: Home Sweet Home & Nathan's Love
Michael is at Tori & Bobby's new house, and Zach, Whitney, and kids walk over to knock on the door. They are excited to be neighbors. Bobby says it was time to look for a house, and they haven't had a lot of luck until Whitney let them know that the house two doors down went up for sale. Bobby & Tori jumped on it, and they got the house since the original homeowners loved Zach & Whitney. The cousins are so excited to be close, and Bradley, in particular, is ecstatic. Tori has asked Erin and Chad to decorate the house. Bobby has been working from home, so he has a desk in the bonus room that will eventually be Charlotte's. The boys have a room, and then Tori shows of their room. Brandon and Michael are thrilled for the new homeowners, and Bobby & Tori are so excited to be close to the family again.
For Layla’s first birthday, the family goes to the zoo, which is one of Kelly's favorite places. Everyone is wearing masks, and Carlin is excited for Layla to see the animals. The family walks through the zoo. Kelly says the monkeys are her favorite, since they're so active. Carlin says she can't believe Layla is a year old, and she remembers all the memories they have made. Carlin says that Layla is their sunshine, and they are obsessed with her.
Alyssa & John are getting ready for their new arrival, and Alyssa says you would think they would be ready, but technology keeps advancing and they keep getting new, cooler items. Alyssa says this time around, she will be in the hospital with a doctor instead of a birth center with a midwife. The hospital rules are strict because of COVID, so Gil & Kelly will have to meet the baby at home. They set up their swing, and Alyssa says they have reversed the order with having kids young so that they will be able to enjoy their adult kids and grandkids younger too.
At the Bates Sisters Boutique (BSB) storefront location, Chad and Zach are working on getting everything functional. Whitney says they are lucky trying to run a small business with all the talents in their family. The sisters arrive, and they are impressed with all the work that has been done. Erin says she has been sick and missed a lot of what has been going on, but she is excited to get to be part of the progress now. They go into another room to discuss the location of the photo shoot wall, since that is very important to their online branding. Erin suggests a location and talks about how to turn the storefront area into an actual storefront. Everyone is excited by how far the boutique has come in such a short time, and they are excited to see where it will go.
Zach is back to doing tree work with the family, and he says it’s like no time has passed. Nathan is there, and he says he isn't home very much, but it is satisfying getting to do tree work with his siblings. Zach says he forgot how much work the tree business is, but he wants to be 56 and moving around like his dad instead of 33 and moving around like he is currently. Carlin says her dad is getting older, but he is still the man. Jud and Jeb joke that Gil is getting too old. The tree job goes smoothly, and the guys start talking about Esther. Nathan says he wants to be with her forever, and he is thinking about the ring. Nathan thinks about a spring engagement and a fall wedding. Nathan says he is ready to change her from a girlfriend to a fiancé. Nathan wants to fly her to the Bahamas, and they talk about ideas, but Nathan says he thinks he should run them by some of their sisters to get their opinions. They get back to work, so Nathan can catch his flight out.
*Episode 6: A DIY Date and a Delivery Day
Erin & Chad and Bobby & Tori are on a couple’s getaway in Gatlinburg—a Christmas gift to them from Kelly & Gil. While there, Erin has brought them to a place called Board & Brush, where you get to make DIY home decor. First up, they begin distressing their wood. Then, they stain it. They talk about Tori's pregnancy—she is just about halfway through and is feeling good. Chad asks Bobby how he feels about having a girl, and he says they are excited. The instructor spends some time showing them how to use the drill, which Tori thinks is useful for herself and Bobby, but not that useful for Chad since he’s already so handy. Chad tells them about the boutique project, and how they are looking forward to moving to the new storefront in a week. They complete their projects, and Tori is excited about hanging it up in their house.
Alyssa is preparing for her baby, and she has her daughters pack their bags to get ready for when the baby comes. John comes in to help them, and he says being a girl dad is a lot of fun. Alyssa starts handing out plastic bag filled with outfits for them to go. Alyssa says they picked the name Maci Jo for the new baby. They chose Maci because they just liked it and they chose Jo for her mother and grandmother Betty Jo. Kelly is super excited to have a grandchild named after her and says she can't stop saying the name.
Josie’s business, Effortless Beauty Company, is doing a stylized wedding shoot at Castleton Farms, and they are thrilled about the opportunity. Katie gets to work on the models’ makeup, and she makes conversation with them about looking forward to her wedding. Katie says she is ready for the ring. The shoot goes well, the models love their makeup. Katie says she can't wait until she gets to be in the client chair.
Brandon & Michael arrive at Zach & Whitney's, bearing lasagna and homemade bread. Zach & Whitney are thrilled to get to enjoy Michael's lasagna. Zach & Whit's house is crazy since the boutique clothes are taking up half their house right now. Michael talks about her sewing business, which took the back burner during nursing school but is quickly growing again. Michael is volunteering at a children's hospital for now while she figures out her next step. Everyone agrees that it was a fun dinner, and they need to do it more often.
Alyssa calls her mom, and says she thinks she is in labor. Alyssa wants to give her mom some time to make plans to get to Florida. Alyssa is just in early labor, but she wants her parents to start heading down so they can meet Maci. Alyssa gets everything ready to go, but now she is wondering if it is actually labor or not. Alyssa starts walking because she just wants labor to get going and get it over with. Alyssa has usually had shorter labors, but this one is taking its time. Alyssa has been having contractions for a while, so she is heading to the hospital to see if they can help her progress. In the hospital, Alyssa gets an epidural and is making quick progress. The doctor lets John help deliver the baby, and he is thrilled he got to help. Alyssa is pleased with her hospital experience, but she is even more excited to go home and introduce Maci to everyone. Gil & Kelly arrive in Florida to meet Maci. Everyone is thrilled for the Webster family and can’t wait to meet Maci.
*Episode 7: Lawson's New Love and the Boutique's New Digs!?
Chad has been working on an old camper. He loved camping as a kid and wants to share that experience with his family. The camper is old, but it has good bones, and they are completely redoing it. Chad & Erin step inside the camper and talk about what they want to change. Gil & Kelly joke that they are going to make the camper incredible like they always do. Erin says that with 2020 being stuck at home, they look forward to getting out there and making new memories all together.
Kelly is preparing for Valentine's Day, but she isn't as prepared as she has been in past years. Nathan and Lawson walk in, and Kelly says they need to help pick out the theme. They debate different ideas, and Katie walks over to get involved. One of the little kids suggested animals, and Kelly Facetimes their family chat to get opinions. Zach gets on to share his opinion. They joke that no matter what, Zach will come as a cowboy again. Lawson jokes that he will be a better cowboy than Zach. Zach says he won't, since he doesn't have a girlfriend—and Kelly says Lawson actually might have some news in that department. Zach asks if he is bringing Nathan again, and Lawson says he has upgraded in the beauty department. Kelly says Lawson has been traveling a lot to California, and she thought he was working, but she then learned that there was a girl in California that he liked. Everyone agrees on the animal theme, and Kelly is glad to start getting to work on the party.
It is boutique moving day, and there is a lot of clothes being transported to the new location. BSB had a huge moving sale and sold 5,000 dresses, which enabled them to finally make the move to their storefront. It was a huge group effort to move the product. Trace and Chad load up a truck load to take everything to the new location, and the rest of the team meets them there. Everyone is so excited about the new space—Chad has built a beautiful packaging station for the boutique. There is a lot of work still to go, but they are excited for the new space for their store.
Lawson and Trace are looking for Duke, Lawson's dog. Trace jokes that Duke likes Trace better than Lawson since he is spending more time with him. Lawson is preparing to take him to training for a few months. Jackson comes out on the porch, and he has unfortunately broken his arm while snowboarding in Colorado. Jackson had surgery to have 13 screws and two metal plates put in his arm. Trace mentions that Tiffany was on the trip to Colorado, and he has been spending a lot of time in California. Lawson said his girlfriend Tiffany joined him on the trip. Lawson says it is early in their relationship, but they had a great trip together. Lawson says she is coming to Valentine's Day, and everyone is thrilled about that. Gil & Kelly are looking forward to spending more time with her. Nathan is glad they're both in relationships at the same time, and they are excited to see how this pans out.
*Episode 8: Two by Two, I Love You
It is time for the first photoshoot in the new Bates Sisters Boutique (BSB) location, and Esther and Tiffany have joined the party. The sisters are all thrilled to be in their new space with their hopeful future sisters-in-law. Lawson & Tiffany have been talking for about five months now. They have a lot of the same life passions, and they are having a good time together. Tiffany is finishing her master’s degree and Lawson says it is a big deal to bring her into the family, but it is a good time to do it. Esther is nervous about modeling for the first time, but Nathan reassures her she’ll be great. Tiffany jumps right in and is a natural at modeling. Carlin says she never thought she'd see Lawson like this, and she has to do double takes. Next, it’s Esther's turn to model, and Carlin helps coach her. Carlin says she doesn't need coaching because she’s doing so well. Nathan says Esther is stunning. She’s usually shy, but once she got in front of the camera her model side came out. Nathan says she did an amazing job. Kelly arrives, and she is impressed with the new space. Kelly goes to talk to her daughters about party plans and tells them that Nathan & Esther will be cooking the couple's dinner. The sisters are all surprised but supportive of them. Kelly says she still has a whole bunch to do, and Erin hopes they will make a bunch of memories this weekend.
Michael & Brandon leave to start decorating for the party after the photo shoot. The party is a Noah's Ark theme, and Brandon & Michael have taken on the decorating. They had fun both making and finding decorations on theme and getting everything set up. Esther & Nathan get cooking—Esther is used to cooking for a crowd, being some a big family. This dish is one which she made the first time she met Gil & Kelly, and they raved about it. The dinner will be at the church, but they are cooking at the main house since Kelly has two ovens. Nathan says being in the kitchen is outside of his area of expertise. Esther & Nathan realize they forgot some of the stuff they need at the church, so they have to head over there. Esther says they should just stay and get ready there, and she asks Katie & Travis to take the chicken out when it's ready and bring it over. Katie, not a chef herself, is nervous about this but Esther reassures her it will be okay. There are also potatoes with the chicken, but Esther has faith that Katie can do it.
Everyone arrives at the church for the dinner, which is nicely decorated with help with some church friends. Nathan & Esther arrive last, and they are impressed with the dinner. Over the years, Lawson and Nathan have joked about being left out of the couple’s dinner, but they are happy to be there with their girlfriends this year. The couple’s dinner is a hit, and Michael talks about what a special time it is each year. Gil shares a devotional thought with the couples, which is about how love covers up the little annoyances in relationships and how you need more of it as you go. Tori talks about how meaningful that is to her. Everyone then eats and is very impressed with Esther's cooking. Lawson says he enjoyed his first official couple’s dinner, and that life is going to get hectic from here.
The next day, the not-yet-engaged couples go to look at some rings. Nathan & Esther are looking pretty seriously. But the other couples are there for moral support, although Katie says she and Travis are taking notes. Nathan is nervous about the ring; he wants Esther to pick the style that she likes so that he has a path to follow. Esther tries a princess-cut solitaire and then they look at a three stone type. They try a square halo, and Esther loves it. She lit right up, and Nathan is thrilled. Esther knew she loved it right away and says, "If you propose to me with this ring, there's no way I would say no." Nathan likes to see the ring on her finger, and he is so glad he knows the exact ring she likes. Nathan & Esther are so excited.
Later on, it is time for the "I Love You Day" party and people begin getting their costumes on. Kelly is so excited for the theme. While the couples are getting ready and taking photos, Travis finds Gil alone on the basketball court. Gil knows what's coming. Travis tells Gil he loves Katie, and that he would like to take care of her and be faithful to her. Gil does he usual joking "no" but then gives Travis his blessing. He then says to make sure to come visit often. Gil says he knew it was coming, and it was an honor to get to someone with his character. Kelly asks if Gil can keep this a secret, and he says that now Kelly knows the secret will get out.
It is party time, and everyone arrives to show off their animal costumes. Everyone is confused by Zach’s costume—Zach jokes that he is a party animal. Jackson says that is his signature move: Zach comes as a cowboy and wins some kind of prize. Zach says they were going to be a dinosaur family, but only Bradley’s costume arrived in the mail on time. So, they found what they could for everyone else. The costume contest commences, and Kelly has everyone cast a ballot. Tiffany's mom handmade Tiffany and Lawson's bear and bumblebee costumes, and Tiffany brought honey sticks for everyone which definitely helped their case. Counting the ballots is a more of a process then they expected.
While the ballots are being counted, Kelton, Bobby, Evan, and Travis go outside to practice their song. The guys thought this would be a fun way to initiate Travis as a hopeful future brother-in-law. The guys all rave about Travis's voice. Travis asks if they have any advice for his proposal to Katie. They ask if Travis has asked Gil yet, and Travis says he did. Bobby goes, "Did he say no at first?" and Travis says, "He did!" and Bobby says, "Did you laugh? You didn't laugh, right?" and Travis says he thinks he did. But Bobby says he’ll be fine. Bobby says that asking Gil is Step 1, and Kelton will tell him about Step 2. Kelton says Step 2 is to have a photographer there and make a plan to propose, but be flexible about it, and get it done. Evan says jokingly that from there on everything is perfect and nothing will do wrong. Bobby says he should just propose after their song, while in costume, as that is "every girl's dream." Travis says he will take some of the advice and he will use it. He then says, "No offense, but Josie, Carlin, and Katie talk all the time..." and Kelton jokes "But I'll kill you if you say anything." Bobby says the secret will stay within their marriage and tells Tori not to tell anyone else.
Back at the party, the brothers-in-law get up to sing their song. The guys sing a sweet old love song in crazy costumes, and everyone enjoys it. Then it is time for the Biggest Heart Award, which Kelly gave out for the first time to Lawson last year. This year, it goes to Michael since she always drops everything to be there for them. Michael nursed her grandmother through a recent illness, and she also helped Kelly after her surgery. Everyone cheers for Michael, who is overwhelmed and deeply touched by the award. Then, the costume contest begins: Bradley (a T-rex) wins for Grandkids, Ellie (in an inflatable cow suit) wins for Singles, and Lawson & Tiffany (a bear and a bumblebee) win for Couples. Kelly says they made so many memories, and she is already planning next year's party. Lawson and Nathan say it was particularly special for them, and Katie says every year is better and better—and hopefully next year they'll be back and married.
*Episode 9: The Webster's New Home and Nathan's Next Move
Whitney & Zach invite Bobby & Tori over since they just moved in down the street. The boutique has left the house, and they joke about being able to see the house again. Zach and Bobby go to cook. Bobby is excited to learn from Zach. (Oh, look, it's a Perdue ad! Hi Perdue!) The kids also help cook. Whitney says that when Zach has time, he loves to cook really nice meals. When they’re busy, she does a lot of casseroles. Tori has boy clothes for Whitney, and Whitney has girl clothes for Tori. The clothes get both families excited about their new additions. Tori says it is cool to see how in sync Whitney & Zach are in the kitchen. The food is done, and everyone is excited about trying the meal. They all agree that it’s good.
John & Alyssa are moving, and Maci is now a few weeks old. Ellie and Addee have been enlisted to help Alyssa pack up. Ellie and Addee are good movers. Addee says she usually prefers to watch the kids, so she does that as Ellie and Alyssa pack her house. At the new house, John is working away with some of the brothers to get it ready. John is impressed by how quickly they get the flooring finished. Alyssa is excited by the progress and says it was wonderful having her siblings come help.
Kelton and Bobby are working at their plumbing company, and they’ve had a lot of business in 2020 due to people being home more often and breaking things. Bobby and Kelton are enjoying working together. They now have a warehouse. With work being crazy, they need to figure out how to handle Tori and Josie being due about a week apart. They are looking for another office person to handle the phone while they're away. While their growing families and growing business will have some growing pains, it will be a memorable year for them.
Callie and Jeb are over at the Paine’s to meet their new goat. Last year, the Paines got a kitten and two pigs (with piglets on the way), and now they have a goat. Holland loves the goat and feeds it a bottle. The goat walks on a leash. Everyone agrees it was fun getting to spend some time all together and meeting the goat, April!
Nathan goes back to the jewelry store to get the ring that made Esther light up. Lawson goes with him for moral support. Lawson is excited for them. Nathan says it is all getting real as he purchases the ring and begins making plans for the proposal. Nathan jokes that he is one step ahead of Lawson, and Lawson says it isn't a race. Josie says Lawson & Tiffany aren't in a hurry, but she thinks they will move fast, and she is excited for them. Nathan asks Lawson about rings, and he points out one he saw last time. Nathan gets the ring, and he is ready to ask Esther soon.
*Episode 10: Due Dates & An Engagement Getaway!
A lot is going on for the Bates family: three babies, two new relationships, and Travis's upcoming proposal to Katie. Kelly sneaks out to a cafe and Facetimes Travis and his mom. Travis says everything is ready to go for their Key West trip. The plan is to surprise Katie at the weekly Bates Sisters Boutique (BSB) photoshoot. Travis says he is planning on being outside and coming in to surprise her. The one thing they need to figure out is that Travis & Katie share phone locations, and if he shuts his off, she'll know. The plan is to tell her that Travis broke his phone and then to have him call her from his dad's phone. Kelly says Katie always figures out surprises, so hiding this from her has been a challenge, but so far, the surprise is safe.
At Zach & Whitney's, Josie arrives and brings Willow over to do a painting activity. Whitney and Josie are excited that Hazel, Jaden, and Charlotte will be close in age. Josie says she was mostly pregnant by herself with Willow, and it is way more fun to be pregnant with someone else at the same time. Whitney and Josie paint signs—Whitney paints "Jayden" (so this is before the spelling change), and Josie paints an H. They talk about nursery plans, and Josie tells Whitney that Willow is into everything now. When Josie went to get her from a nap, Willow had stripped down naked, gotten her diaper off, and smeared the contents everywhere. Josie is now worried about them sharing a room in case Willow does something like that again. The kids help decorate, and Zach arrives to deliver chocolates from their husbands. The women are touched, and they appreciate the chance to make memories before their babies arrive.
Nathan is training Lawson to become a commercial pilot. Nathan wants this training wrapped up before his proposal. He is so excited for this next step with Esther, and he is starting to think about finances and where they want to live. Nathan asks when Lawson is going to get engaged, and Lawson says he is saving up for a ring. Lawson says Tiffany is an amazing person and getting to know her is a joy. But he wants to get Nathan to the altar before making more plans.
In New Jersey, Travis is trying to write a song for Katie for the proposal. His parents and brother come over to help him with the song. His family is very musical, so they can be a tough audience, but they are really supportive. He plans to sing it after proposing, but his mom suggests doing it first. He agrees that makes more sense. Travis says he has some things to figure out, but he is praying it comes out perfectly.
Travis and his parents are heading to Tennessee, and it is crunch time on hiding the surprise from Katie. At the boutique, Whitney, Erin, and Carlin are excited for the photoshoot, which will feature all the sisters except Alyssa and Michael (who are both out of town). Tori arrives first, and then the rest of the sisters arrive, and the shoot begins. Travis is hiding outside ready to sneak in and take the camera at some point. Taryn, the photographer, starts the photoshoot off with the sisters, and she takes one photo of all three pregnant sisters together. Finally, Erin asks Katie to change, and it's time for the secret to come out. Up until this point, only Gil & Kelly knew that the Clarks were in the parking lot. Erin starts putting people in a line for the big group sister shot. Travis sneaks in, and the sisters are shocked, but he shushes them quickly. Addee says everyone knew right away that this was the engagement. Katie comes out, and Travis, from behind the camera, says "Surprise!" Katie says he said he was getting his phone fixed, and Travis says: "Nope, we're going to the beach!" Katie then sees his parents are there, and she is shocked. Katie didn't think he would surprise her at a boutique photoshoot, so he has surprised her once again. All the sisters are so excited, and Katie can't wait to see when and where the proposal happens, but she knows it will happen soon. The sisters take a quick pic with Travis, and then it is time for Katie to go quickly pack.
Katie, Travis, and their parents arrive in Key West, and they are in awe of their surroundings. They shop, explore, and take photos. The Clark parents went to Key West on their honeymoon, and they are excited to be sharing this experience with Travis & Katie. Everyone does a history train tour first, to get to learn about the island. They take photos at the southernmost point, a classic photo spot. Everyone teases Kelly for her love of vacation photos and counting "one, two, three" over and over again. Next stop is the Butterfly Conservatory. Everyone loves getting to see all the different types of butterflies. They see flamingos there as well. A butterfly lands on Gil's phone, which he thinks makes him special in some way. Kelly says the odds of a butterfly landing on you in that place with so many butterflies are high. Gil retorts, "So did any land on you?" and Kelly laughs and says, “No.” They rave about the conservatory.
Next up is a sunset cruise, and the views are amazing. Katie thinks this when Travis will propose, but it is just a classic tourist sunset cruise. Gil says this is a great tease for when it really will be. Everyone enjoys the sunset, and Katie teases her parents for being on their phones taking pictures instead of "living in the moment." Everyone is laughing and having a good time as the sun goes down.
The next day, it is proposal day (although Katie doesn't know that quite yet.) They first go to a sand sculpting class. Katie &Travis decide to sculpt a dolphin. The parents go for a turtle. The sculptor has them pack the sand in first, and then everyone starts chipping away. Katie & Travis have their dolphin hold a heart with their initials on it, which makes theirs the favorite. The sculptor asks where they're going next, and so does Katie. Travis says lunch is next. Travis says his nerves are okay right now, but he is worried about his song and wants to practice it before the real thing.
Kelly, Travis's Mom, and the photographer go to the location, a pier over the beach, to see how the florists have set it up. It is really beautiful, and everyone is impressed. Kelly says she is nervous enough for the both of them. Katie &Travis are all dressed up and ready to go. Gil sends them off on a walk, and Katie thinks this is it. Travis leads Katie away, and she is crying already.
Travis leads Katie down the pier, and they are both super nervous. Travis tells Katie he loves her, and he leads her to the end of the pier. Katie says it looks like a scene from a movie. Travis leads her into a heart made of flowers, and then he picks up his guitar. Travis sings her his proposal song, and Katie cries as he sings to her. Katie was overwhelmed by the song, saying she tried to focus on it but couldn't stop crying. Travis finishes the song, and then gets down on one knee and proposes. Katie says yes, and Travis puts the ring on her finger. They hug, and then they turn to their parents. Their parents come hug and congratulate them. The Clarks say they are excited to have Katie in their family. Katie is so excited as they take pictures. All the Bates siblings share their well-wishes in talking heads. Gil says there's wedding bells in the future, and three babies on the way—and maybe two more engagements—and, who knows, maybe even two weddings in 2021? Gil says there is a lot to look forward to and be grateful for—it is a dream come true.
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