Gil's Last Words

Gil Bates

Prepping for shoulder surgery

"Every time something like this happens, it makes me think about all the things that I haven't done. And I love you."
-Gil Bates to Kelly Jo

In addition to the Balkas' first anniversary date, the Keilens' babysitting experience with Willow, a Bates family game night, and the Smiths' big announcement, you'll also see Gil's shoulder surgery on tomorrow's new episode of Bringing Up Bates. And you probably won't be surprised to see him get a bit emotional as he sends a video to the kids just minutes before the start of his procedure (video below).

Photo/video courtesy of UPtv

Bad-Flavored Slime

This week on Bringing Up Bates, new parents Josie and Kelton Balka eat at a fancy restaurant in celebration of their one-year wedding anniversary. In this clip, Josie tries new seafood dishes and shares her reactions.

Photo/video courtesy of UPtv

Kade and His Newborn Brother

Kolter Gray Smith is 10 days old! According to proud parents Tori and Bobby Smith, Kade adores his new little brother.

Kade Smith and Kolter Smith

Photo courtesy of Tori and Bobby Smith @bobby_torilayne_smith

Bigger [Courtships] in Texas

Zach Bates, Whitney Bates, Kaci Bates

"It would make me very nervous if I was Trace. As big as all of the courtship things have been back in Tennessee, you know that everything has to be bigger in Texas."

"Always make sure it's around food. A girl hungry is hanger problems."

Zach has some pretty good advice for Trace as he prepares to ask Chaney to be his girlfriend (see video below). And while Lawson and Nathan would like to offer their words of wisdom, as well, Trace says he would rather listen to someone who as "made it all the way through."

Photo/video courtesy of UPtv

'Texas or Bust?' Recap

Bringing Up Bates "Texas or Bust?"

• Trace stops by Zach and Whitney’s house to discuss his upcoming trip to Texas. For almost nine months, he and Chaney have talked every day but one. Trace admits that he is nervous, as he will be asking Chaney to be his official girlfriend.
• Trace, Gil, and Kelly arrive at the Kahle house in Colleyville, Texas. “I’m trying to play it cool…but it’s not just another trip,” says Trace. They exchange hugs and side hugs with Chaney, her parents, and her siblings. The Kahles are fellow homeschoolers and are just as competitive as the Bates family.
• Chaney’s dad suggests electric go-karting at K1 Speed to kick off the visit. “You know, I’m known by my family, I do not like things that are dangerous, risky, fast,” says Kelly. “I don’t want to get hurt. I don’t want to see them get hurt. I know even on safe rides, they can be dangerous.”
• Kelly insists on driving her own go-kart so she can control the speed. “I don’t think my mom was meant to be in any fast car ever, with anybody,” says Tori. “She will probably be screaming and hollering the entire time and thinking she’s about to die.” The Bates mom creeps along, as others pass her.
• At the end of the race, the score board reveals Chaney in first place and Trace in second. “I’m really happy for her because she is really athletic, and she loves doing sports, and she loves getting out there, and I love that about her,” says Trace.
• After the race, the two families eat Tex-Mex at Joe T. Garcia’s. “It just means Mexican food in Texas,” explains Kelly. “You know Texans, they think everything is bigger and better in Texas, so they have their own name for it, Tex-Mex.”
• Trace says he could consider moving to Texas. “How is Trace going to come to my house…and hang out in Texas?” says Zach. “Do I live in Texas? No, I live here.”
• During dinner, Kelly nonchalantly suggests going on a picnic the following day. She and Chaney’s mom and sisters secretly have plans to set up for the big moment while the others visit the batting cages.
• At the batting cages, Trace steps aside to ask Mr. Kahle’s permission to date Chaney. He says yes but then adds, “But like I told you…I didn’t raise them to move off, I raised them to say close, so we’ll see how it works out.”
• Meanwhile, the ladies are setting up decorations and food at a picnic spot by the water. “We’re all trying to keep it in Chaney’s tastes but also simple because that’s what Trace asked for,” says Kelly. “He doesn’t want it so over the top that it looks like an engagement.”
• When Trace and Chaney arrive, they are blown away by the scene. “I’m used to going big or going home,” admits Kelly.
• After dinner, Trace asks Chaney to take a little walk. They stop at a spot covered in flower petals. It is close enough that the family can still see them but far enough away that they can have a private talk. “…You are my best friend now,” Trace tells Chaney. “And the more we get closer and the more we hang out, the more I know I’m falling in love with you every single day. I do love you, and I do want to take the next step.”
• “Chaney, I wonder if you’re willing to take the next step with me and just start a relationship and start dating me and make it official?” he asks.
• “I would love to!” Chaney responds. Trace gives her a bouquet of flowers and a bracelet, and the two share a few front hugs. Now they can officially hold hand!