Sarah Bates turns 24

Happy Birthday

She and Isaiah got married back in May 2026. 

Kelton's birthday post

Kelly Jo posted 

Happy 31st Birthday, Kelton (one day late)! I got so excited when I began to research the meaning of your name! It’s such a fitting description of you; God definitely gave your parents insight as they chose it! It has a British & Scottish origin, & it means “keel town,” a seaside town where settlers made keels for sailing boats. That might not seem like a significant thing until you look up what a keel is & what its function is. “It acts as the backbone of the boat & is absolutely essential for keeping the vessel upright, preventing it from tipping over, & stopping it from being pushed sideways by the wind. It provides stability & lift.” When you apply this description in a spiritual sense, it’s a perfect description of YOU! You’re so wise, mature, well-rounded, focused, determined, skilled, thoughtful, & helpful. You are leadership material through & through, & you want to please God in your life, your family, & your business… & in the process, it’s easy to see how you bring stability in the lives of all those around you, keeping them balanced & upright. Your middle name Edward is also a mirror of your life, having an Old English origin, it means “wealthy guardian” or “prosperous protector.” We know that our true riches are not earthly riches, but are rather, the riches of God’s grace & His gift of eternal life. Your life as a protector & guardian, points people to that truth- the only real hope & help! Thank you for being such an incredible son-in-law, husband, father, friend, business man, & Christian! ❤️

Dakota's birthday posts

Kelly Jo posted a sweet birthday post to her grandson as he celebrated his first birthday. 

Happy 1st Birthday, Dakota James (one day late)! You’re such a happy baby, with such a bright smile! I look at you & have flashbacks of your dad as a boy! I see so much resemblance, & your joyful personality reminds me of him too. Your 1st name is from Native American origin, meaning “friend.” And your 2nd name in Hebrew means “to follow after,” & it has the connotation of “strength & protection.” In Latin it means “May God protect.” These names offer a perfect prayer for your life: May you be a friend of God, following after Him & enjoying the protection & strength He brings! And I can’t wait to watch you growing up & living out such a beautiful prayer! You’re a special young fellow, & as you get older, I hope it’ll be more & more clear to you just how loved you are- by God & by all of us! ❤️

New double birthday

Happy birthday Kelton and Dakota!

Kelly has confirmed that the baby boy's name is Dakota and he was born on July 4th.

Happy 1st birthday Dakota

Kelly has shared when Jackson and Emerson's little boy was born.

He shares a birthday with his uncle, Kelton, and Papa Bill.

July Birthdays

It's time to release our July birthdays cover photo.

William Bates (July 19), Willow Balka (July 19), Sarah Bates (July 12), Kelton Balka (July 4), Lawson Bates (July 27), and Dakota Bates (July 4)

Unseen July Birthdays photos

 In the month of July, The Bates have two double birthdays. The first one is Kelton and Papa Bill. As many of you know that Papa Bill passed away in May 2025 so this year marked his first birthday in heaven.

Papa Bill would have celebrated his 87th Birthday while Kelton celebrated his 30th birthday.

The second one is with William and Willow.

Willow celebrated her 6th birthday while William celebrated his 1st birthday.

Celebrating William and Willow

Back on July 19th, Willow and William celebrated their birthdays. 

Willow turned six years old while William turned one year old. 

Lawson turns 33

Happy Birthday

GrandBates born in July

We always seem to be getting these questions about who's the parents of the grandbabies born each month. We decided to start something a little different for you all.

1. William Bates- son of Lawson and Tiffany. His birthday is on July 19th

2. Willow Balka- daughter of Kelton and Josie. Her birthday is on July 19th

Updated July Birthdays cover

Now that William has arrived, we can share our updated July Birthdays! There is also a new double birthday. Willow and William share a birthday.

Lawson turns 32

 Happy Birthday

Willow turns 5

 Happy 5th birthday Willow! 

Fourth of July 2024

 We hope that you have a wonderful Fourth of July! We also want to wish Papa Bill and Kelton a very happy Birthday.

Kelton is celebrating his 29th birthday while Papa Bill is celebrating his 86th birthday.

July Birthdays cover

July is in a few days and that means that it's time to release our July Birthdays cover. 

Celebrating Lawson birthday

 On July 27th, the Bates family celebrated Lawson 31st birthday. 

Lawson turns 31

Happy Birthday

Willow turns 4

Happy Birthday Willow

Birthdays for Kelton and Papa Bill

Happy Birthday to Kelton and Papa Bill! 

Hello July 2023

 Birthdays:

* Papa Bill Bates

* Kelton Balka

* Willow Balka

* Lawson Bates

All about Grandbabies:

* Cambree Smith (11 months old, ten days until one, seven days until one)

* Kenna Bates

* Hailey Clark

* Rhett Webster

Other posts:

* August birthdays and anniversary cover

* June photos

* Fourth of July