New Bates Family Photos

In celebration of 4th of July and Papa Bill's 80th birthday, the entire Bates family gathered with Gil's parents and siblings at the family farm in South Carolina. They also had a photographer duo, Caleb and Brittany Cruse from Cruse Creative, take new photos. What do you think?

The "original" Gil and Kelly Bates family

The "updated" Bates family

Gil and Kelly Bates

Photos used with permission from Gil and Kelly Bates

Little Bates Fam Thanksgiving 2017

Zach and Whitney were able to see lots of loved ones over the Thanksgiving holiday. Per Bates family tradition, they traveled down to Honea Path, South Carolina, to visit Gil's extended family, and they also spent time with Whitney's parents.

Zach Bates, Bradley Bates, Kaci Lynn Bates, Whitney Bates

 Kaci Lynn with Whitney's parents

Zach and Whitney Bates with Papa Bill and Mama Jane (Gil's parents)

Photos courtesy of Zach and Whitney Bates

Bates Thanksgiving in SC

As they have in the past, the Bates are spending Thanksgiving weekend in Honea Path, South Carolina, with Gil's side of the family. Michael and Brandon Keilen headed to Michigan to spend the holiday with Brandon's family, but most of the rest of the Bates clan traveled to South Carolina, including the Websters and Carlin's boyfriend, Evan Stewart.

The camera crew is present, and the Bates are banding together to build a barn. Here are a few snapshots:

Michaela and Brandon Keilen in Michigan

Bates barn building

Lawson Bates, Jeb Bates, Bradley Bates

Photos courtesy of brandonandmichaela.com, lawsonbates.com

Bates Thanksgiving 2016

Happy Thanksgiving to our American readers! May we all take this day to thank God for the many blessings we have been given.

What is your favorite Thanksgiving dish? The Bates have a tradition of spending the holiday with Gil's parents, Papa Bill and Mama Jane, in South Carolina.

Mama Jane usually makes one large turkey, one turkey breast, and a ham. She also prepares mac 'n cheese (the Bates' favorite side), sweet potato casserole with double the toppings, and dressing.

Let's take a poll to see what y'all call that delicious turkey companion dish. Is it dressing or stuffing? The Bates, as well as many other Southerners, call it dressing. What do you think?