A few hours ago, we shared the news that Baby Paine is a boy and now it's time to share the video with you all.
Welcome to the Bates family blog! Gil and Kelly have been married since 1987 and have nineteen children. Twelve of the children are married. They have thirty-three grandchildren with five on the way. They have two foster grandchildren.
Saturday, May 31, 2025
Watch Baby Kaia's name reveal
Early this afternoon, we shared the news that Trace and Lydia announced their daughter's name on Youtube!
Lydia also shares a pregnancy update!
Baby Girl's name reveal
We have an exciting news to share! Trace and Lydia have announced they are naming their daughter Kaia Rae.
New photos of Weston Slade
We have new photos of Bobby and Tori's little boy, Weston Slade. He just celebrated his first birthday on Thursday.
Friday, May 30, 2025
All about Weston: Twelve months old
Weston just celebrated his first birthday yesterday!
Happy 1st birthday Weston!
His last two updates will be at eighteen months old and twenty-four months old. We will be doing an update when he turns 10 years old.
Thursday, May 29, 2025
All about Harvey: Eight months old
Harvey is now eight months old.
This past month, he went on a cruise with his parents after celebrating his first Easter.
Sunday, May 25, 2025
June Birthdays Cover
For the month of June, the Bates family has nothing, but grandchildren's birthdays and they are about to add two more when Lydia and Emerson welcome their babies into the world.
Saturday, May 24, 2025
Michaella opens up about Fostering
Fostering is tender and complex, beautiful and broken, heartbreaking and healing. It's often short but the love we have for these precious boys is real and deep. It is a privilege to provide a home for them and to offer love, safety, and stability in the midst of their story. They have walked through so much for such tiny little people, and stepping into a brand new world is scary and unknown.
We know they are away from everything familiar, and we feel deeply honored to be part of their healing and to show them they are treasured, and love them with all we have. We would be so grateful for your prayers for healing, peace, and comfort of knowing they are safe and cherished.
Brandon and Michaella: Fostering and Papa Bill
Brandon and Michaella share an exciting update with you all.
Brandon did share the boys are three years old and a newborn.
William Bates at ten months old
We have a new photo of William Bates who turned ten months old on May 19th!
Friday, May 23, 2025
Turning 30 in 2025
Can you believe that there are three that will be celebrating their 30th birthday very soon? Bobby was the first one to celebrate his 30th birthday in February 2025.
Kelton will be first when he celebrates his 30th birthday on Fourth of July. Evan will follow in August 2025 then Tori will celebrate her 30th birthday in December 2025.
Thursday, May 22, 2025
Monday, May 19, 2025
All about William: Ten months old
William Bates is now ten months old!
This past month, he celebrated his first Easter, Mother's Day, and his parents anniversary.
Sunday, May 18, 2025
Papa Bill's funeral
Today marks a hard day for the Bates family as they prepare to celebrate the life of Papa Bill Bates and Here is a little bit about him!
Papa Bill was born on July 4, 1938, to his parents Clarence Gilvin and Sarah Brown Bates. He married Mama Jane on May 24, 1964. Next Saturday (May 24th) would have marked their 61st wedding anniversary. The couple went on to have three children, two boys (Gil and Greg) and one daughter (Jennifer).
His life was full of giving wise counsel and encouragement along with carrying toddlers on his shoulders. Papa Bill served in the Army national Guard. One of his favorite past times was dancing with Mama Jane. He would later celebrate his birthday with his granddaughter's husband, Kelton when he married into the family.
He is survived by his wife, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren!
Saturday, May 17, 2025
update on papa Bill
We have some sad news to share with you.
Papa Bill has passed away on May 13, 2025.
Erin shared this statement on her facebook:
This week we lost the BEST Grandpa anyone could have ever hoped for. He was a man full of wisdom, always ready with a story, a piece of advice or a witty remark that could make anyone laugh.
He had an incredible way of loving people and what I will miss most is how deeply he listened, always making you feel heard and valued.
Some of my fondest memories were spent visiting him on the farm, a place that felt like a sanctuary, a peaceful haven where time just seemed to slow down. We shared countless hours on the front porch talking about life, family, and everything in between. Those moments with him were some of the best of my life. His warmth, kindness, and sense of humor will stay with me forever.
We are all going to miss him so much, but I find comfort in knowing that the memories we have will last a lifetime.
A few years back, I had the opportunity just to have a little chat on the front porch with my Papa Bill. I hope it shows you just a glimpse of how wonderful he was really was... I love you Papa Bill.
All about Charles: Ten years of life
Charles is now ten years old!
The past ten years, he has welcomed five new sisters and brother. Recently his parents announced that he will be getting a new brother or sister in the summertime.
Friday, May 16, 2025
Lydia's baby shower
Right before Mother's Day, Lydia had her baby shower for Baby Girl. Lydia did share new photos of the celebration that we wanted to share with you all.
Left to right, Ellie Bates, Whitney Bates, Josie Balka, Lydia Bates, Tori Smith, Katie Clark, and Carlin Stewart
We can't wait to meet baby girl in the coming weeks.
GrandBates: 10 year old club update
It's time to update our GrandBates 10 year old club now that Charles has celebrated his tenth birthday. We can't believe the oldest three grandchildren are now ten years old.
We will be back in June 2026 when Kaci Lynn celebrates her tenth birthday!
Thursday, May 15, 2025
Mother's day photos
We have a handful of photos to share as the family celebrated Mother's Day!
Next is Travis and Katie with their children.
Next is Esther with her children
Next is Josie with her children.
Last is Evan and Carlin with their children.
Up first is John and Alyssa with their children.
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Monday, May 12, 2025
Sunday, May 11, 2025
Papa Bill update
As many of you know that Gil's dad is not doing well with dementia.
We have some news to share with you. Papa Bill has been put on hospice care.
Please keep Papa Bill, Mama Jane, and the entire Bates family in your prayers.
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