Keilens Welcome 2 Kids

The Bates family continues to grieve the last of their beloved Papa Bill. In the midst of their pain, Michaela and Brandon Keilen have been overjoyed to enter a new stage of life: parenthood. After years of praying for children, they had the unexpected opportunity to become foster parents, and they took it. They now have two boys in their home, ages three and newborn. They don’t know how long they will have the kids, but they are cherishing every moment. They made a video about Papa Bill’s passing and this new chapter. 

Papa Bill Bates, 1938-2025

It has been a difficult week for the Bates family. Their beloved Papa Bill, Gil Bates’ father, passed away on May 13th, while under hospice care. His full name was William Gilvin Bates, but people called him Bill. He and Mama Jane would have celebrated 61 years of marriage on May 24th, which is also Alyssa and John Webster’s 11th anniversary. We know that Mama Jane and the rest of the Bates family would appreciate prayer as they grieve the loss of Papa Bil. If you would like to learn more about his life, you can read his obituary. 

Lydia is 35 Weeks Pregnant

Lydia Bates is 35 weeks pregnant with her daughter. In early April, Trace sent Lydia on a girls' beach trip for her birthday, and a few weeks later, Trace, Lydia, and Ryker took a family beach trip. They are back home now and eagerly awaiting the arrival of their little girl. Josie Balka, who is also pregnant, threw Lydia a flower themed baby shower for family and friends. You'll see footage from the party in Trace and Lydia Bates' latest YouTube video.

Lawson’s Tribute to Papa Bill

Lawson Bates just released a new song, and it’s a tearjerker. The tune is called “When We Say Goodbye” and is a tribute to Papa Bill, Gil Bates’ father who is suffering from memory loss. You’ll find the music video on YouTube. 

Balka Family of 6

The Bates family is growing again! Josie and Kelton Balka just announced that they are expecting their fourth child. They haven’t shared any details yet, but we will let you know when they do. This baby will join Willow Balka, who turns six in July, Hazel Balka, who turns four in June, and Miles Balka, who turned one last month. 

Paines Announce Baby #7

It’s going to be an exciting year for Erin and Chad Paine, as they are about to become a family of nine! They are expecting their seventh child this summer. Erin made a YouTube video sharing their family’s story.   

Clarks on a Cruise

Katie and Travis Clark took their kids, Hailey Clark and Harvey Clark, on a seven-night Disney cruise to the western Caribbean. On the way, they spent time with Alyssa and John Webster, and before flying home, they stopped in to visit Erin and Chad Paine. They uploaded a video with footage from their cruise and one showing their trip home and some other updates.  

Tour of the Paines’ New Home

Erin and Chad Paine and their six kids have been in their new place for a few months. If you missed it, they left their first Florida rental, which was out in the country, for a new rental home in a subdivision. They knew going in that it would be an adjustment, as country life is all they have ever know, but the Paines have made the house their own with some personal touches. This house has more storage space than any of their previous homes, which is helpful when you have half a dozen children. Watch Erin give fans a tour in their latest YouTube video.

Q&A with Zach and Whitney Bates

How are Zach and Whitney Bates doing? The parents of five are busy, as they juggle homeschooling, sports, family time, and the Bates Sisters Boutique. They sat down to answer questions from fans and uploaded the video to the Bates Kitchen YouTube channel.

I Love You Day 2025

Valentine’s Day (also known as I Love You Day) is quite possibly the Bates’ favorite holiday. This year was the family’s 10th annual gathering! The theme was the 1950s. As always, the costumes were fantastic, and the games were boisterous and entertaining. Some of the families have already posted YouTube videos showing footage from the celebration (links below)  

Trace and Lydia Bates: I Love You Day 2025

Carlin and Evan Stewart: I Love You Day 2025

Michaela and Brandon Keilen: I Love You Day 2025