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

Zach's blog: One big, happy family

Being able to share a letter with my dad was really important to me.  Now being a father myself, I repeatedly think of things my dad has taught me and things I want to teach Bradley.  I have quite a role model in my dad and I hope to be half the man he is as a father. Seeing how much dad has influenced and impacted other people’s lives from his childhood days was an inspiration to us. Dad has always taught us that investing in the lives of others is one of the greatest ways we can spend our time. So, it was extra special for us and all of his old friends to get to play a p

Kelly's blog: One busy year

From wedding bells, to babies, this has been quite a year.  Memories that we’ve made will last a lifetime and I’m so grateful for all of them. The kids did such an amazing job putting together the surprise party for Gil.  It made us both feel very special when we learned the sacrifices and hard work that went into the preparation and planning. It also made me proud that they pulled it off all by themselves, without me overseeing the project. It really was a gift from their heart to their Dad that he will never forget! There wasn’t a dry eye in the place, and it was so special to share that day with old friends that have meant so much to us throughout the years. I couldn’t think of a better way to end the season. We thank each of you for inviting our family into your homes each week through UP TV.

Family blog: 50 doesn’t seem that old anymore lol!

Nathan has been dreaming up the idea of this surprise party for a year! We have a lot of big parties at our house, but Nathan wanted this one to be really different and special. He wanted it to focus on old friends from Gil’s early childhood and college days. It took so much coordination and planning to keep it a surprise and still work out all the details. We are so grateful for all of the kids creativity, help, and love that was so evident.  It really was a birthday to remember and a great way to end the first season of Bringing Up Bates. We hope you enjoyed sharing in our memories.

Spring 2015!

Happy First day of Spring everyone! 

Lawson and Nathan's update

Preview: All About the Bates

Find out everything you want to know (and then some!) about the Bates as they answer viewer questions and show some hilarious never-before-seen footage.

35 weeks pregnant

John and Alyssa only have 5 more weeks until Allie enters the world. They are making sure that everything is ready for Allie to arrive.

In just two weeks, Alyssa will be 37 weeks pregnant and considered full term. Now the question is when do you think Allie will be born? John and Alyssa know that God knows when their daughter's birthday will be!

Erin's blog: Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving has always been really special for both of us, but this Thanksgiving would prove to be a time I think we will never forget!
We had been looking forward to spending time with all the family at Papa Bill and Mama Jane’s farm. The country, quiet setting was perfect to facilitate a time of fun, relaxation, and thanksgiving for all that the Lord had done. It was definitely such a sweet time with the entire family together once again, it really felt like “old times.” But the highlight of our time on the farm was when we announced the news that we were expecting a baby boy! Yes, a sweet little boy! When I found out the gender of our baby, it felt as if my whole world stopped for a moment. I cannot even begin to describe the joy I felt inside. God is so good! I hope and pray he is just like his daddy, because Chad is the sweetest, most precious person in the whole world to me, and I am confident that he will make the best dad that any little boy has ever had! We are thrilled beyond words and are excitedly anticipating the day that we get to see and hold our little boy for the first time!

Lawson's blog: Road Trip!

I think the highlight for me was finding out that Erin and Chad were having a baby boy. It’s always exciting when a new Bates is added to the mix and I just know that Erin will be an amazing mom. She has been taking care of little Bates’ kids her entire life! Aside from the football, the crafts and the general craziness that comes from every holiday gathering, this moment was very special for our entire family.

Lawson and Nathan's updates!

It's been a little over a week since Lawson and Nathan headed off to the Philippines to help serve others. Here are a few pictures of their trip.

March Birthday month cover!

There is no birthday for the Bates family for the month of March!