Kade and His Smith Grandparents

After we shared snapshots of some of the Bates with newborn Kade Smith, several of our readers asked if Bobby's parents have been able to visit him and if we would be able to post photos. While our blog is primarily focused on the Bates family and their reality TV show, we are happy to fulfill your request. Bobby's mom and dad were able to make the trip up to Tennessee, and as you can tell, they are thrilled to meet their first grandchild.

Bobby Smith, Sheri Smith (Bobby's mom), Kade Smith

Robert Smith (Bobby's dad) and Kade Smith

Photos courtesy of Tori and Bobby Smith

Bobby's Impressions of the Bates

"You have to second guess and question like every single move you make."
-Bobby Smith

What is it like getting to know an unusually large family that also has a reality TV show? On tomorrow's new episode, "The Bates Get Candid," the clan answers questions about filming Bringing Up Bates. Bobby admits that he was a bit apprehensive when he first met Tori's parents and siblings. Hear from him in the preview clip below.

Photo/video courtesy of UP

Bates Marathon to Kick off New Season

In just two weeks, the supersized Bates family will be back with all-new episodes of their hit reality TV show Bringing Up Bates. Season five premieres Thursday, January 5th, 2017, at 9pm ET/8pm CT on UP.

To kick off the new season, the network will air a Bates marathon on Thursday, December 29th. The marathon will kick off at 7am ET with "Erin's Little Miracle" and end with an hour-long year end special at 9pm ET. During that special, each Bates will share his or her favorite moment from the first four seasons of Bringing Up Bates. Visit our Showtimes page for the list of episodes that will air on that day.

Are you looking forward to the Bates' return to TV?

Photo courtesy of UP

Gil Bates: How We Ended Up Here

You may be surprised to hear that Gil and Kelly Bates do not see children as a parameter for how much trust a couple has placed in God.

In a recent interview with Christian Examiner, Gil Bates shares how he and his wife ended up with 19 kids and why they decided to film a reality TV show.

"It's not a matter of how many children God gives you; it's really a matter for us of finding God's will for your life, and being willing to trust Him in whatever He's asked you to do," Gil tells Christian Examiner. "How did we end up with 19 kids? It was really nothing we planned for, but it was something we believe God led us to trust in Him. We didn't know it would be 19 kids, but I don't think we would have seen and experienced some of the amazing blessings we've seen in life had we not chosen to trust God."

When the Bates were offered a spot on reality TV, they were hesitant to accept, unsure of how a film crew what effect their family dynamic. But after much prayer and discussion, they decided to give it a try, seeing it as a ministry opportunity.

"So with a lot of shaking knees and a little reluctance, we moved forward one step at a time," Gil tells Christian Examiner. "It was a drastic change for our kids, but it's been a wonderful experience so far. It's been a positive for our kids and for us."

The production company chooses the family events that it will cover months in advance and only ends up filming two to three days a week. "They try to be really mindful of our family, realizing that our primary goal is to raise our family and live for the Lord," says Gil. " The show is kind of an outreach from our family."

Read more at ChristianExaminer.com.


Photo courtesy of UP