2017 Recap

2017 has been a big year for the Bates family. From welcoming Grandbaby #6 into the world to Bobby and Tori getting married. So let's go through and recap.

In January, The family celebrated Gil and Michaella's birthdays. They also welcomed John and Alyssa's second daughter, Lexi Mae. Bringing Up Bates returned for a new season. Gil, Kelly and Carlin head down under for a speaking engagement. The family celebrated New Years Day.

In February, The family celebrated Trace, Jeb, Jackson, Addallee and Bobby's birthdays. Brandon and Michaella celebrated their 18th month anniversary. They celebrated Valentine's Day. We celebrated our blog anniversary.

In March, We were introduced to Carlin's special friend Evan Stewart. They also announced that there wil be a special six on Bringing Up Bates.

In April, The family celebrated Carlin, Allie, Chad and Ellie's birthdays. The family celebrated Chad's sister's wedding. Zach and Whit got photos done. They celebrated Easter.

In May, The family celebrated Erin, Carson, and Warden's birthdays. They celebrate John/Alyssa's and Mama Jane/Papa Bill's anniversary. Lawson had a special concert. They celebrated Mother's day.

In June, The family celebrated Kaci's birthday. They celebrated Father's day. Bringing Up Bates returned for their 6th season.

In July, The family celebrated Lawson and Papa Bill's birthdays. They also celebrated Fourth of July. The family moved into the new church.

In August, the family celebrated Callie, Josie, Brooklyn, Evan and Nathan's birthday. The family celebrated Brandon and Michaella's anniversary. Josie announced her relationship with Kelton. The family got to watch the eclipse.

In September, the family celebrated Judson, Brandon and Whitney's birthday. Bobby and Tori announced that they were engaged and planning a December wedding. UP TV announced that there will be a season 7. Carlin and Evan celebrated their first year anniversary.

In October, the family celebrated Katie, Isaiah, Kelly, and Bradley's birthday. Erin announced that she is expecting baby #3 due April 2018.

In November, the family celebrated John and Alyssa's birthdays. John and Alyssa announced that they were expecting their third child in April 2018. The family also celebrated Chad and Erin's anniversary. They celebrated Thanksgiving.

In December, the family celebrated Zach and Tori's birthdays. They also celebrated Bobby and Tori's wedding. They also celebrated Zach/Whitney and Gil/Kelly's anniversary. They also celebrated Christmas and New Years Eve.

Recap: From Friends to Fiances

Bobby is heading to the Bates family home to celebrate I love you day 2016. Kelly reveals that Gil told Tori not to dive in too soon however it's too late. Nathan was happy that his girlfriend, Ashley, was there. Update about Nathan and Ashley: Nathan ad Ashley decided to end their courtship however to remain to be good friends.

Two months have gone by, The Bates are heading to Florida for both to meet Bobby's family and Allie Jane's first birthday.

Alyssa reflects on her courtship with John and how often Tori was their chaperone. She reveals that she ended up requesting a different chaperone after a while. Tori was really strict and would make them move if they were too close for her liking. She also added that now she really cuddly with Bobby.

In October 2016, Bobby asked Tori if they could start courting during a family vacation in Florida. The setting was at the beach during the sunset. Afterwards they enjoy their dinner.

In March 2017, Bobby heads up to Tennessee to find a place to live after his graduation. One of the family friends offers up her camper for him to live in.

In May 2017, Tori and the family head down to Florida to celebrate Bobby's graduation.

In June 2017, Bobby ends up pulling aside Gil to ask for his blessing to propose to Tori. Gil believes that they are a prefect match.

Bobby ended up proposing to Tori in September 2017. Click here to read the announcement and the photos.

Recap: Uncharted Waters

On Last week's episode of Bringing Up Bates, Gil and Kelly sat down with Evan and Carlin. Carlin gets a little annoyed with her father when he likes to throw in his little nuggets. The four of them pray together and give them a green light to start a courtship.

The family heads to the zip line course and the rules are those over 90 pounds and age of 10 and up are able to go on the zip line so Kelly takes the other children to the pool. Some of the lines are short and low but one is about ninety feet off the ground. Jackson says that it's nothing like the one in the backyard.

The next day the family goes whitewater rafting however it rains but doesn't stop the family. They ended up hiring a babysitter for the little ones. The family has to go on a more difficult course with a class four rapids and the boys are apprehensive of it.

The married couples get into the boat and Zach jokes that if the boat wrecks Nathan and Lawson will be raising all the kids from the family.

The girls end up screaming the whole way but enjoy it. They get back to the rental and take showers. Gil decides that it's time to pull Gil aside for the chat. Gil says he getting hit from everywhere since Evan talked to him yesterday and now it's Bobby. He doesn't know who is going to be next.

Bobby says that he wants Gil's full blessing to ask Tori to marry him. Gil jokes with Bobby with saying no. Bobby says that he has a hard time telling if he is joking or not. Gil later reveals that Bobby has his blessing. Bobby is so relieved and admits that he was really close to throw up.

Gil says that the couple are so good for each other but he feels that he is losing these girls one after another.

Bobby says that Tori has a theory that October is a magic month for them since they met and started to court in October but we will just have to wait and see. The family takes a family photo and then heads to dinner.

Season Finale TONIGHT!!!

Tonight marks the season finale of Bringing Up Bates. On Tuesday, we shared our written preview which you can click here.

Tori and Bobby babysit the younger children along with few of the grandbabies while the family goes rafting.

The family says that their trip was amazing! Including two special sit downs w/Evan and Bobby about Courtships and engagements. We will be sharing our recap later tonight.

Do you think that we will be sharing a courtship and engagement announcement soon?

Preview: Uncharted Waters

The Bates family continues their thrill seeking vacation at Adventures on the Gorge, in West Virginia; a high level white water rafting course; Gil is in for a big surprise when Bobby pulls him aside. 

Recap: Courtship, Kiddos and Future Sons-in-law

The family is getting ready for their four day trip to Adventures on the Gorge in West Virginia. John and Alyssa will not be able to make it and neither will Josie. Josie is finishing up summer school. Callie reveals that Carlin is really excited that her boyfriend, Evan, is able to attend the family's trip.

Tori reveals that Bobby is not able to make since he had work that came up this week.



Gil reveals that when the kids were easier when they were little since they were able to take one car. Now it's harder because you have kids everywhere and they have to bring two cars at different times because of responsibilities.


Carlin has to "fight" her father and little kids to get the first hug. Evan's sister, Kailyn, is coming with the family as well.

Kelly brings a few of the children with her to check in and Tori is still a little bit mopey since Bobby was not going to be there however her mood is about to change when they enter the lobby. Bobby is at the front desk and totally surprises her. Kelly reveals that she knew that he was going to be able to come.

They get into their cabins and Kelly and kids head for an outdoor picnic lunch with ice cream. Since Carlin and Tori were able to bring their boyfriend, Katie jokes about her boyfriend being two containers of ice cream.

The first day, Tori and Bobby babysit Judson, Jeb and a few of the grandbabies as the others are doing the rope course. Zach reveals that if Jeb was the first born, the family would only have one child.

Bobby reveals that he has been excited to propose to Tori for a while. During the babysitting the kids, they talk about their future and the kids hat they hope to have.

Kelly is a nervous Nelly about when it comes to the rope course. Kelly reveals that it was pride in her that made her overcome her fear.

Evan and Carlin sit down with Gil and Kelly about starting the next stage in their relationship which is courtship. Evan reveals that he is nervous about talking to them because he doesn't know what they are going to say. He asked for permission to make plans to start the courtship in the summer. Gil and Kelly talk about the main purpose about courtship which is keeping God first and maintaining purity until marriage. Gil says that if it doesn't work out, he wants to make sure that they can stay friends and leave the relationship with no guilt. He also adds whoever you are going to marry could be still out there and if it's Carlin, that's great but there is still a chance that it's not.

During his interview, Gil reveals that he does like Evan and thinks that he is a great guy but doesn't know if Carlin is grown up enough to start the courtship.

Preview: Courtship, Kiddos, and Future Son-In-Laws?

*** Please note that this and next week's episode will mark as the season finale! *** 

The family is headed to an adventure resort on the rim of West Virginia's New River Gorge; Tori's down in the dumps because Bobby won't be joining her on this trip; Carlin is extra excited to have her boyfriend Evan along for the ride.

Recap: Here's the scoop

Erin is planning her first trip to Chicago to visit Brandon and Michaella. Kelly reveals that Michaella is so excited to have Erin coming. Erin is having Carson, Kelly and Tori along for the trip.

Kelly brings up AARP site to start planning their Chicago adventure. Kelly reveals that they are old enough to join AARP but Gil is putting it off since he doesn't want to admit being old enough. Kelly says that she is proud of her age and eager to join the website. Kelly celebrated her 50th birthday in October 2016.

Michaella gives a small update that she is adjusting to life in Chicago but still misses home. She is also falling in love with it more.

The small group arrives in Chicago and Michaella joins them for a trip to the Navy Pier. Erin ends up driving in the city while Kelly is terrified.

The group heads to the Ferris Wheel. Tori reveals that she is a not a big city girl. The group next heads to the boat tour and Carson is excited to go on it.

They returned back to the apartment, The two oldest Bates sisters cook a meal together. Michaella reveals that they are not set staying in Chicago. Michaella reveals that she would love to live back into the mountain and so would Brandon.

Michaella reveals that they found a fertility specialist and says that it's undiagnosed so they are still hoping. She reveals that there has been a lot of bloodwork and ultrasounds. Michaella was not sure that she would experience this.

Erin reveals that everyone is praying for you. She shares that her sister is doing great but it's okay to cry. Before Chad and Erin welcomed Carson in May 2015, they suffered three miscarriages.

Michaella reveals that there are days that she cries and other days is not phased. She says that she might adopt a baby someday.

Brandon comes home and shows his mother-in-law his draft in the children's book. His drawings are beautiful.

Back at the Bates home, Carlin, Nathan, Lawson and Katie decide to do an Ice cream competition. They pick their own teams and have the oldest ones captains. They pick their best flavor for the ice creams.

Carlin reveals that the plan is for the little kids to have fun but Nathan and Lawson have to make it a competition. Katie is the judge of the competition.

Carlin's team made Mint Chocolate chip however Katie said the flavor is overpowering.

Nathan's team made mint cookie dough however Katie reveals that the flavor was the worst that she ever tasted.

Lawson's team made cookie dough and Katie says that they are the winner!

Preview: Here's the scoop!

Kelly Jo, Erin, Carson and Tori head to Chicago to visit Michaela and Brandon and take in a few sights; Carlin, Josie and Katie are on babysitting duty while mom's away.

August/September monthly preview

Here's the scoop!
August 31, 2017
Kelly Jo, Erin, Carson and Tori head to Chicago to visit Michaela and Brandon and take in a few sights; Carlin, Josie and Katie are on babysitting duty while mom's away.

Bates Babies Special
September 4, 2017
TBA

Bates Birthing Babies Bonanza
September 5, 2017
TBA

Courtship, Kiddos, and Future Son-In-Laws?
September 7, 2017
The family is headed to an adventure resort on the rim of West Virginia's New River Gorge; Tori's down in the dumps because Bobby won't be joining her on this trip; Carlin is extra excited to have her boyfriend Evan along for the ride.

Uncharted Waters
September 14, 2017
The Bates family continues their thrill seeking vacation at Adventures on the Gorge, in West Virginia; a high level white water rafting course; Gil is in for a big surprise when Bobby pulls him aside.

Recap: The Fabulous Backwood Bates Boys

Zach heads to the house to pick up Jackson, Warden and Isaiah for a camping trip near Clinch River. Zach is always wanting to invest in the boys. They head to the campsite and decide to try their skeet shooters but they are broken. Zach reveals that she he threw the skeets.

While they are putting up the tents and putting a fire. They figure out that they are missing a few items but Jackson has everything that they need in his backpack. Isaiah says that his brother's backpack is like a bottomless bag.
 
Kelly, Whitney, and Erin load up the younger children (Ellie, Callie, Judson, Jeb, Bradley and Carson) to a local hotel pool for swim lessons. They managed to have two teachers to teach the kids. Nathan has also come along to help the little kids swim.

All the kids enjoy the lesson. Zach reveals that Bradley has still been learning and coming along  the Michael Phelps tradition.

Gil brings the rest of the boys to meet up with the four boys at the campsite. They head to the river to do fishing but don't manage to catch a single fish. Lawson jokes that there is fishing and then there is catching. Trace adds that they are amazing at fishing.

Gil jokes that if they were relying on fishing for a living, they would be lean and mean. They end up having cooking hotdogs and hamburgers for dinner. Zach and Bradley head to meet Whitney to change her tire.

Later that night they go around and say what they are thankful for and Gil says that it's important to know that it's about family. They will be there for the rest of your life.

Preview: The Fabulous Backwoods Bates Boys

Zach organizes a camping trip in hopes of having some bonding moments with his brothers; Zach gets an unexpected call; Kelly Jo, Erin and Whitney gather up the younger kiddos for a swimming lesson.

Our recap will be posted Friday morning

Recap: The Night The light went out in Tennessee

Nathan has been living in Mississippi for the past six months. He has been working as a flight instructor. He reveals that he enjoyed learning how to fly and wanted to pass the information to others. Tonight is no different as he teaches a man who is working on his commercial pilot's license. Gil reveals that his son has a lot respect for everything like safety, life and caution. He also says that is a mark of maturity for a risk taker like Nathan.

The little Bates family is heading Taryn Yager's house studio for Kaci's one year. Bradley is a great help on making his little sister laugh. Kaci loves the cake smashing.

Whitney reveals that she cried while looking at the pictures since Taryn caught many sweet photos.
Nathan returns home and puts up the smoke detectors. The fire department showed the family where to put all the detectors. Jackson reveals that they waited until Nathan got home to take care of it.

Gil says that his son is an energy giver and gives great motivator. He manages to get Lawson and few of the boys to help. Kelly and the girls are working on cleaning out the fridges. Gil reveals that his wife loves to do when he doesn't like to waste it. During the time that the boys and girls are working hard, the power ends up going out. The girls work fast to put everything back into the fridge and get the flashlights and candles.

Lawson says no lighters for the little boys. Kelly has the kids put on their pjs while she gets a family favorite, Surprise Spin. Everyone works on taking turns.  When someone lands on draws a paper which reveals they either do a chore or grants them something.

Isaiah gets 5 dollars.

Kelly reveals that her husband is going to love that they played this game.

Lawson is stuck with cleaning out the van and changing all the sheets in the house.

The lights come back on and everyone wants to party and so they grab ice cream. Lawson reveals that it's sometimes good that the power goes out so they can focus on each other and play a game.

Preview: The Night The Lights Went Out in Tennessee

Now that Nathan is a certified flight instructor, he's moved back to Rocky Top, TN to teach flight lessons; Kaci Lynn is turning the big One; a power outage leads to an impromptu slumber party and game night.

Recap: One Cap, two growns

Tori seeks Carlin for help about what to wear for Bobby's graduation. Carlin notices a few outfits that are hers but doesn't mind letting her sister borrow them. Lawson says that they have a real problem with stealing but Nathan says that it's not stealing since they fit. Nathan adds that if you want them to be yours than you need to keep them somewhere else but if you keep them in the house than it's free game.
Kelly reveals that Nathan and Tori think that it's in the family's closet then it's fair game.
Down in the Webster house, John and Alyssa give a glimpse of what they do day to day. John is working for his family's air conditioning business. John and Alyssa recently opened their cleaning business on the side.
John comes home to eat dinner and watch the girls so Alyssa can clean up one of their locations. She leaves right around 6:30pm and doesn't return until a little after 9:00pm. John has to leave to fix an unit right after they eat. Alyssa says goodbye to her husband and comes back in to find Allie Jane out of bed. Judson says that Alyssa learned how to be very cleaning from their home.
Tori and Josie head to Florida to attend Bobby's grad party. They start with some disk golf with Bobby, Kelton and their dads. Kelly reveals that they knew Kelton before Bobby and he actually lives in Tennessee.
Josie reveals that she was excited to go with Tori because Kelton was graduation. She says that he is a guy that she is talking to and getting to know. She says he is pretty great.
Gil wonders what is with all these special friends. Kelly says that she likes the boys. Gil has a combined look of stress and joy on his face.
Gil and Kelly bring some of the kids down there to support Bobby and Kelton. Jackson says that Bobby's house is different than his house since it's clean. Bobby's family lives in Tampa and it's gated community.
Nathan says that if you got nice things, there is a chance that they can break them.
Bobby has a youth ministry degree and will be moving to Tennessee by the end of the summer. Kelton has a degree in finance and will return to Tennessee to work at his uncle's plumbing business.
During the party, Tori gives Bobby his gift and he loves it. Tori has given him a bible which is prefect for what he wants to do.

Preview: One Cap, two growns?

Bobby's big graduation party; a few rounds of disc golf; Bobby and Tori discuss their future together; Josie gets the chance to spend some time with Kelton.

Recap: Lawson and Sadie's big breakup

Lawson and Nathan talk about Lawson's music video plans. Lawson feels that the next step is to get a single out there on the radio. He also wants to shoot a high quality music video to promote it. Lawson reveals that his friend connected him with Sadie Robertson after he was looking for a girl to play the girlfriend in "Past the past".

The big day arrives, Lawson and a few of the Bates head to Manchester to shoot the video. Sadie arrives there as well.

Lawson reveals that the story of the video has him playing a quarterback in a high school football team. Lawson has never done that so it should be something interesting. Lawson has a lot of respect for athletes since it's not as easy.

They head to do the next scene which is filmed on a front porch which is a breakup scene. They end up filming it in the rain.

Kelly says that Sadie is amazing since she was so convincing. Kelly reveals that she is like poor thing. Kelly would later add that they made it seem very real and as a mom, she is oozing in pride.
Later that night, Lawson is getting ready to film the football game where Lawson's character gets injure. Lawson wants to take the hit however the director does not want to risk him getting hurt. One of the players on the team offers to be his stunt double. They run the scene a few times and the stunt double doesn't mind it. He is actually enjoying it. Nathan thinks that a picture with Sadie must have soften the blow.

Jackson, Warden and Isaiah want to take her out on a lunch date for Mother's Day. Kelly accepts the offer as long as the boys allow her to give them a refresher course in manners beforehand. 
Nathan argues that his brothers need a whole class from start to finish. Jeb reveals that good manners are standing up straight and eating your food while Judson adds in using your fork and knife instead of your hands.

The boys put on their Sunday best and takes Kelly to one of her favorite places, McCloud Mountain Restaurant. The boys do well and Kelly thinks her boys will get a girl before Lawson and Nathan do. Kelly adds that she doesn't want them to start looking yet.

Be sure to check out "Past the Past" music video which was released today by clicking here.

Preview: Lawson and Sadie's big breakup

Lawson takes the next step with his career and makes a music video, co-starring actress Sadie Robertson; Kelly Jo thinks it's time the middle boys receive a manners lesson so they can become gentlemen.

Recap: More Bloopers, Outtakes and Mishaps, Oh My!

Gil says that his family has never learned that they should allow one person to talk at a time. It's like this huge barrage of verbal things coming since everyone is talking at a time.

The family is asked who is the best driver and Lawson says that the family is lacking in good drivers.
During one of their interviews a rooster goes off around 2pm and Kelly responds that the rooster takes the family.

During the time at the family went to Dollywood, Kelly faces her fear of heights and rides the roller coaster. Kelly ends up screaming the entire time.

Tori and Callie can't control when they laugh. Tori's laugh is describe like a loud cackle. When Callie starts laughing she can't stop.

What are the family favorite words and phrases?
    - Awkard
    - epic
    - oh my stars

During the weddings, the coolest part is watching the little kids when they are standing up on stage, they lose their attention and go crazy. There is also a food fight when Kay (Kelly's sister) is teaching them to decorate cakes.

--- News from the live show ----
* Lawson has a music video coming out next week
* Brooklyn is doing better and should be released from the hospital

August Episode preview

Who is ready for our August monthly previews for Bringing Up Bates. There is currently no word on season 7 but we will let you know.

Lawson and Sadie's big breakup
August 3, 2017
Lawson takes the next step with his career and makes a music video, co-starring actress Sadie Robertson; Kelly Jo thinks it's time the middle boys receive a manners lesson so they can become gentlemen.

One cap, two Gowns?
August 10, 2017
Bobby's big graduation party; a few rounds of disc golf; Bobby and Tori discuss their future together; Josie gets the chance to spend some time with Kelton.

The Night The Lights Went Out in Tennessee
August 18, 2017
Now that Nathan is a certified flight instructor, he's moved back to Rocky Top, TN to teach flight lessons; Kaci Lynn is turning the big One; a power outage leads to an impromptu slumber party and game night.

The Fabulous Backwoods Bates Boys
August 24, 2017
Zach organizes a camping trip in hopes of having some bonding moments with his brothers; Zach gets an unexpected call; Kelly Jo, Erin and Whitney gather up the younger kiddos for a swimming lesson.

Please remember to check out our Preview Tuesday since these titles are titled to change but sometimes they don't.