Welcome to the Bates family blog! Gil and Kelly have been married since 1987 and have nineteen children. Twelve of their children have been married. They have thirty-two grandchildren. They have four children and eight grandchildren in heaven.
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Abballee's birthday!
Today is also Abballee's birthday. She's turning seven years old today! She's the same age as Johannah
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Hawaii: Part 2
Beautiful Waimea Canyon (“The Grand Canyon of Hawaii”) on the island of Kauai
The Unforgettable Napali Coast on the island of Kauai (One of my favorite tourist places!)
A romantic dinner served to us by the Kaneshiro family on the island of Molokai (The goblets contain juice, in case you’re wondering)
With no major stores, just 4 mom & pop restaurants, and no “city life,” we had the island of Molokai practically to ourselves! It has 8000 residents and miles of deserted beaches! With only one gas station, prices are high… but well worth it for the privacy! The motto on Molokai is, “If you’re in a hurry, you’re on the wrong island!” … and with most speed limits at 35mph, they mean it!
From rocky beaches to sandy white stretches to huge cliffs with towering waterfalls, Hawaii was the most gorgeous place I’ve ever been!
My very favorite tourist attraction was the unforgettable drive 
to Halawa Valley, on the island of Molokai, along side of a curvy single lane road that winds beside ocean and mountains, then dead ends into an incredible view of the Pacific Ocean.
Sunny Popohaku Beach on Molokai is 3 miles of white sand, empty beaches
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A Dream Come True!
December is a special month for us for many reasons: holiday fun, friends & family, the celebration of Christ’s birth… and our anniversary!! This anniversary was an extra special occasion – 25 years!
The children were constantly whispering, so I knew something was up! I watched the kids giggle as they urged their dad to plan something really big! Gil had been secretly saving for an extra-incredible, once-in-a-lifetime celebration… but his plans crashed when unexpected repairs chipped away at his savings! I was anticipating a dinner out or maybe an overnight retreat to Gatlinburg, but the kids continued to echo, “25 years has to be special!”
One night Nathan was on the phone with a friend he had met at a Journey to the Heart (http://ati.iblp.org/ati/students/opportunities/journeytotheheart/ ) While talking, Nathan mentioned our anniversary was coming up. One thing led to another, and before we knew it, Nathan’s friend, Elijah Kaneshiro, made a series of calls to invite us to his
home town in Hawaii.
home town in Hawaii.
Elijah had a church friend, Fern Hamai, who graciously allowed us to stay in a condo overlooking the ocean on the extremely isolated island of Molokai. Elijah had just earned his pilot license and also offered to fly us around to various islands. After negotiating for ticket prices, Gil made an out-of-the-ordinary decision to fly to Hawaii for an unforgettable 25th anniversary adventure!
What can I say?? 25 years was enough to be ecstatic about… but Hawaii?? A travel agent friend heard us describe our trip and said it sounds like a $25,000 trip… Gil managed to squeeze it down to two $600 plane tickets, a few meals and souvenirs, and fuel cost for Elijah’s plane. We know the Lord worked through many people and circumstances to make a dream come true!!
Friday, February 1, 2013
Happy Birthday Trace
Today is Trace's 16th birthday. He shares his birthday with his youngest brother Jeb.