Warden and Kaybrie Bates

Warden Bates married the love of his life on May 5th, less than three weeks before his 23rd birthday. As we announced on May 3rd, he proposed to Kaybrie Patterson, a college basketball player, and she said yes. The two had been planning a September wedding, but when it became clear that Kaybrie's father was nearing the end of his three-year battle with colon cancer, they changed their plans in a big way. 

Just a few days before Michael Patterson passed away, the Bates and Patterson families gathered to support Warden and Kaybrie as they became husband and wife. Kaybrie's wish for her dad to walk her down the aisle was granted. They will still gather with a larger group of family and friends in September to celebrate their marriage. 

Clarks’ Moving Plans

Months after Travis Clark confessed to the world that he had been unfaithful to Katie, the Clarks are sharing the news of a big life change. They are moving. They have spent 2026 in therapy and deep prayer to determine the best next steps for their family, and they took an extended trip to Florida during that time. They have not yet shared where they will be moving to, so stay tuned  

Kaybrie Loses a Loved One

Just a few days after announcing their engagement, Warden Bates and Kaybrie Patterson experienced deep heartbreak when Kaybrie's father, Michael Patterson, passed away on May 8th. Please pray for Kaybrie and her family as you think of them. 

Warden Bates is Engaged

Another Bates is engaged! Warden, who turns 23 later this month, popped the question to his girlfriend, Kaybrie Patterson, and she said yes. You might remember from our previous post about this couple that Kaybrie plays college basketball. 

 

Introducing Ella Jane Bates

Zach and Whitney have just announced the arrival of their sixth child. Her name is Ella Jane Bates. 

Keilens Visit the Ark with Foster Sons

Michaela and Brandon Keilen are spending their days pouring into the two foster sons whom the Lord has blessed them with. They recently took an impromptu trip to the Ark Encounter with Lawson and Tiffany Bates and uploaded a YouTube video with all the details. 

Zach and Whitney's #6

By the time you ready this, it is likely that another Bates grandchild has already entered the world. Zach and Whitney Bates have headed to the hospital to welcome their sixth child, a girl. That will make two sons and four daughters for the eldest Bates sibling and his wife. Bradley Bates is 11, Kaci Bates turns 10 in June, Khloe Bates is six, Jadon Bates turns five in June, and Lily Bates is two. This little one is Gil and Kelly Bates' 40th grandchild. 

Trace and Lydia Give a House Hunt Update

Trace and Lydia Bates have been searching for a home of their own for a while. They are growing out of their two-bedroom rental, although they love the location. They have considered a lot of options, including building a place, but they haven't made any plans. They say they don't yet have peace from God about a location or whether to buy or build, so they are waiting. The parents of two share more details, including footage from a recent trip to Dollywood, in their latest YouTube video. 

Erin Paine on Visiting Family, Marriage, etc

Erin Paine took to YouTube this week to answer questions from followers. She shares how often she and Chad and their seven kids visit the Bate family in Tennessee and mentions that one of her brothers is getting married in May. She also chats about keeping the spark alive in marriage and offers some of her favorite ways to stay healthy.  

Warden’s Girlfriend

Warden Bates, who turns 23 in May and is Gil and Kelly Bates’ 13th child, is in a relationship with Kaybrie Patterson. Also from East Tennessee, Kaybrie graduated high school last year and is playing college basketball.