New photo Trace and Lydia

We have a new photo of Trace and Lydia to share with you all.

Bobby Graduates from college

The Bates just shared: Congratulations, Bobby!!! I guess those wedding bells are sounding just a little bit closer- one degree down, and one to go! Hurry up, Tori lol!!! We are so proud of you, Bobby, for the past 4 years of hard work and excellent testimony! I know graduation is bittersweet- great to be done, but hard to say all the goodbyes! But I can't wait to see what all the Lord has in store for you next (and I'm super glad that Tori's on that list!!) #BobbySmith #ToriBates #PensacolaChristianCollege #BibleAndYouthMinistryDegree

Now someone did ask if they are engaged and they are not yet. Tori said on the family's I love you day that they are planning to get married after her May 2018 graduation so she has another year left.

Official Courtship photos!

Yesterday, we shared the courtship news of Bobby and Tori! We are finally able share new photos of the courting couple.

Recap: I 'Donut' Know What I'd Do Without You

Bobby and Tori ended up meeting each other during the fall of 2015 through a mutual friend who happens to live with Bobby. Their first meeting happen to be on the beach and Gil had told his daughter not to dive in too soon and she did. Courtship is something new to Bobby and ended up talking to Gil about courting Tori right after the first meeting. Gil told him to wait for a little bit before getting in a courtship.
The family is spending time in Pensacola and Tori is sure that Bobby is going to ask her to start courting. Bobby enlist Nathan, Lawson, Carlin, Josie and Jackson to help set up the site. The decorations are to remind Tori of the first week of her and Bobby's meeting. Bobby ended up making a few signs for Tori.
    "Of all the fish in the sea, I'm so glad you chose me"
    "In my court room you have been found guilty because you have absolutely and completely stolen my heart."
Tori knows what is coming right after seeing the decorations but she doesn't know when it will happen.
The family heads to Fast Eddie's fun center to golf. As her daughter and Bobby give hugs, Kelly reveals that the courtship rules have gotten more relaxed.
The next morning, the family meets up with both John and Alyssa and Bobby's family to see a dolphin  cruise.
Bobby ends up pulling his parents, Tori's parents and sister to talk about the sunset dinner that evening. Alyssa jokes about surprising them all to get engaged since Gil would be the most surprise. Gil is not so sure about that idea.
The family heads parasailing and Tori is scared but enjoys it later. She is happy that she is with Bobby.
Alyssa joins Bobby's mom and Kelly to set up the table at the beach while the boys head to the Outback Steak house to pick up the dinner. Everyone leaves as the couple arrives. Bobby gives Tori a beautiful infinity bracelet. Bobby asks her to start courting and she says yes. Both parents come out to congratulate the newly official courting couple. The parents leave for the couple to enjoy their date.
Gil thinks that that his daughter and Bobby are moving in the right direction after praying that the kids would know who they are going to marry and that God will bring the right person along.
Kelly reveals that she is thinking that she is looking at herself and Gil when they were dating while Gil thinks that they could have 19 kids like her parents.

Most asked questions!

1. Will Brooklyn and Kaci's birth be on the show?
We just got the confirmation on June 26, 2016 that they will be! 

2. Why post information days after after the Bates do?
Because most people don't have twitter or instagram. 

3. How far apart are Bradley and Kaci?
They are only 19 months and 21 days apart.

4. How far apart will Brooklyn and Carson be?
They will be about 14 months apart

5. Will Brooklyn have a July Birthday?
Yes she will. Back when Erin announced that she was expecting her second child, we were told that the baby would be born about 35 weeks if not earlier. 

6. Did Alyssa take a break from social Media?
She did but it was only because of the hateful comments

7.  Where can we send mail to the family?
We have been getting a lot of questions about where they can send mail to the family and here is their PO box PO Box 544 Rocky Top, TN 37769 

8. Are Bobby and Tori Courting?
Bobby and Tori are not officially courting but they are boyfriend and girlfriend

9.  When will season 3 be on Amazon?
UP TV hopes to have it on Amazon by the end of this month but we will keep you updated.  

10. How far apart will Kaci and Brooklyn be? 
The girls will be around a month apart 

A courting announcement!

We have been waiting to make this announcement since October 2015! We are so excited that Nathan and Ashley are in a courtship. They have been in a courtship since Christmas time! 

We were told back in October that the courtship was not official in October and were asked to wait to reveal it. We are finally glad to be revealing the courtship! 

Be sure to check out our facebook page for new photos of the courtship!

Check out this video for the official announcement!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoTBWIqWifk

Is Lawson courting?

We were asked if Lawson was courting anyone and we got an answer for you. He is currently not courting right now. We hope that this will settle it. We are sure that it will happen so but there is nothing right now.

 

Zach's blog: Michaella Goes a Courtin’

I was so glad that Brandon was able to spend a few weeks with the family.  I know how important it is to establish strong relationships with family members and that takes time and involvement. It was a little easier for me and Whitney, because she lived close by and we were able to get together with family members often. On Brandon’s case, living far away doesn’t allow as many opportunities to bond, and often on visits the focus is naturally to spend time with Michael. So I think it was wise for my parents to an a trip just for the purpose of giving time for him to spend time with the rest of the family. Once he gets married, they are likely to move, so this time together will be treasured memories.

Family blog: Someone New

As I hope you could tell in tonight’s episode, our family is so very happy for Michaella and Brandon. When a courting partner comes to visit, we want to make sure they feel special and like they’re already part of our family. The best way we know how to ensure a successful visit is to set some clear parameters from the start. After all, when everyone knows what’s expected, things run smoother! The first rule (and perhaps the most obvious) is that the courting couple cannot be in a room alone together. Of course, in this household, good luck to anyone trying to be alone in our house! We do realize though how overwhelming this experience can be so we try to give them some personal space and some one on one time with smaller sized groups and with each other. It’s important to us to have bonding time, but it’s also important to us that the boyfriend/ girlfriend feels comfortable enough with us that they can share their thoughts, goals, concerns and opinions. Our goal is for them to feel like family because they probably will be soon!

Ten months of courting

Brandon and Michaella have been courting for ten months and things are going great.

Happy Birthday Brandon!

Most of you don't know but Brandon is the man that has Michael's heart. They have been courting since December 31, 2013 and their relationship is going good. Today he celebrates his birthday!

Brandon & Michaella

  Many have asked for an update on the courting couple. They have had several visits together and have spent lots of time writing, sending care packages, and thinking of each other! Brandon is super creative; when a package comes, it’s usually filled with many extra special touches that show his talent and his tender heart: gifts wrapped with ribbons and flowers, scrolls with sweet messages,  artwork, DVDs with photos and songs written to celebrate their times together…all so very sentimental and touching! This week Brandon celebrates his 25th birthday, so “Happy birthday” to a wonderful, Godly young man that has won our daughter’s heart!

Courting update!

We have been getting a lot of questions on rather Brandon and Michael are still courting. They are still in their relationship and doing amazing!