Recap: Nathan's New Romance and a Secret Birthday Bash

Just prior to Kelly's surgery, the family gathers to surprise Kelly with a birthday celebration. Michaella reveals that family time is really a special gift and she thinks that her mom will enjoy the special time before her surgery. Instead of doing the birthday praises that is a family tradition, they decide to share childhood memories. Zach remembers the time that the little kids were napping that his mother would teach him how to read. Erin remembers her mother listening to her practice music when she was not really good at. Callie recounts how her mother makes her feel special and encourages her to try new things. Kelly is so thankful to all of her children.

Gil leads the family in prayer for Kelly's surgrey. John and Alyssa are able to facetime for the birthday party which means a lot to Kelly.

It's been two days since Kelly's surgery, Michaella comes by to check on her mother who is in pain and will have a month recovery with only liquids and purees. She is looking forward to having a better quality of life.

Lawson has adopted a dog name Duke and has a K9 trainer come by to the house. Lawson hopes to train the dog as a law enforcement dog but Zach is not sure. Zach is worried that with everyone running around the house. He knows that the dog is going to be spoiled with attention and should be an police emotional support dog.

Bobby and Tori had orginally planned to do a big birthday bash for Kade's second birthday however some of the family were exposed to COVID so they had to change their plans to just celebrate his birthday with Bobby's parents. They decorate cupcakes but Kade is not into it as much as Kolter. Alyssa gives her birthday buddy a golf set which makes him more into the party mood.

Nathan reveals to his parents about his relationship with Esther. Esther lives in Pennsylvania. They are officially boyfriend and girlfriend. Nathan would like to have Esther come to the early Christmas celebration because he will be on the east coast for Christmas. Nathan asks for advice and the parents give him advice to take it slow. Nathan reveals that it means so much to have his parents excited about being involved in their lives. Nathan reveals that his parents share their past experiences and they are always honest which helps their children.

Recap: Smitten in the Smokies

 Travis comes to Tennessee for Katie's birthday. Travis rveals that Katie loves to remind him that she is older than him by five months. He adds that she loves to say that I love older women. When he arrives to the house, he surprises her with a new dress and plans for a dinner date. When it comes to having chaperones, Katie and Travis choses Addallee and Ellie since they have a limited section.

Whitney and Carlin head to pick up their key for their storefront in Rocky Top. Whitney and Carlin make plans for their store with Zach and Chad. The girls are concerend that they will grow out of this space quickly like they grew out of the warehouse in Zach and Whitney's backyard.

Gil and Kelly take Lawson, Katie, Travis and the younger kids to Gatlinburg. They head up to take ziplines however Judson, Jeb and Callie do not meet the weight requirement and are unable to take the ziplines. Kelly, Katie and Travis take the three to do gem-mining. Katie asks if there is a ring in there since she thinks that Travis wants one.

Callie reveals that they all thought that there was going to be a ring for Katie in one of them. Jeb and Callie both agree that would have been a perfect proposal plan. Travis reveals that he still has a year and half left of school but Katie thinks that he might propose sooner than that.

Gil reveals that he is trying to think the word engagement is something that he is going to pretend is down the road so they are going to wait and see. He just prays that it's a long time down the road. He adds that no one has talked to him yet.

Allie's first birthday party photos

John and Alyssa invited the family to Florida to celebrate Allie Jane's first birthday on April 2nd! Allie turned one on April 11th!
Here are few photos of the family celebrating the first birthday!

Recap: Addee and Ellie's Pool party

Both Gil and Kelly try to spend one on one time with each other of their children. Gil is taking Josie for a private tennis lesson while Kelly takes Trace clothes shopping. Gil grew up playing tennis ad is happy that his daughter is wanting to learn a new skill.
Kelly reveals that the kids are picky about what clothes they were. Kelly feels like an old lady while shopping with her kids. Trace is graduating from high school in the winter and Kelly wants to know if he wants to work with Gil but he says that he is not really big for tree business. Kelly would love for her son to take a few classes at the college where Tori attends. Gil and Kelly have agreed that they would pay for the first semester but she assures him that it's his choice what he wants to do.
Trace thanks his mom for taking him shopping and he had amazing time with his mom.
Addee and Ellie are getting ready to celebrate their birthdays since they wanted to have a pool party. Addee and Ellie's birthdays are in February and April. Gil and Kelly decided to wait for summer to fulfill their wish about having a pool party. Whit's mom has a pool and invited the family over for a swim.
Lawson reveals that his parents have always tried to make every birthday special especially for the little ones. Gil and Kelly take the birthday kid out to a restaurant and then let them have a party with the family and friends.
The family is enjoying the pool and Zach wants to know where the cake is. Gil was supposed to getting the food on Kelly's list. He chose to buy two boxes of cake mix and brought them to the party.
Lawson jokes with his father about who is going to make the cake however Kelly assures her husband that he did good with the things that he got right.
Michaella shows up with a store brought cake and the family shares praises of the birthday girls. The family has made sharing the good of the birthday girls.
“If you’ve ever heard of constructive criticism, it doesn’t feel too constructive if you’re the one getting it,” says Gil. “But praise, or encouragement…is a powerful, powerful thing.”
“Affirmation from other people, when it’s real, means so much,” shares Nathan.

Mama Bates Birthday

Today is Kelly's birthday!

 We hope that she enjoys her day. What could be better if Bradley makes his appearance today on her birthday?

Kelly has had a lot of changes since her last birthday. Three of her children have gotten married and her oldest daughter is in a courtship also She is going to be a grandmother any day now when Bradley is ready to come out!

Josie turns 15!

Josie is celebrating her birthday. She made her grand appearance today more than 15 years ago! We are so excited to see what God has in store for her this year.

Happy Birthday Josie