When Gil and Kelly Jo Bates married in 1987, they didn't plan to have kids, but something changed over time; now they're parents to 19 children -- yes 19! When they range from toddler to 20-something and live under one roof, challenges abound, even for a tight-knit family like the Bates brood. Among those are the parents' strict rules, which include everyone's chores, watching little to no TV, and the girls wearing only dresses. Gil runs a tree service that employs some of his sons, while Kelly Jo stays home to make the meals and do the laundry, home schooling and other tasks. As the eldest child gets older, new issues -- including romance, careers and babies -- enter the picture.
The past year has been one of enormous change and growth for the Bates. In the Season 3 premiere, the Bates rally together to help Michaella find the wedding dress of her dreams. Later the family celebrates an awesome 4th of July!
With Michaella's wedding quickly approaching, Kelly Jo and Gil wager to see who can get in shape to look their best for the big day. While Kelly Jo enlists Tori to help, Gil finds his coach, Lawson, uses a more hands off approach to whip him into shape.
With the big wedding just days away, Erin hosts a laughter filled candle making party for Michaella and her bridesmaids, while Nathan, Lawson, and Trace take Brandon on an outing to the skating rink, but an accident could put the wedding in jeopardy.
The day that Michaella has been waiting for is here! After months of planning it's a bittersweet moment for the family, who realize she'll be leaving home. 800 guests will arrive to celebrate and see Michaella & Brandon say, "I do" with their first kiss.
Michaella and Brandon begin their life together as they travel to Montana for a romantic honeymoon exploring the great outdoors. Back at home, Gil treats his youngest daughters to a dinner date. They're growing up fast but they're daddy's little girls!
Judson turns 5 and gets a brand new bike for his birthday, while Erin heads to Nashville to record a Christmas album. Back at home Lawson, Nathan, and Trace get a visit from a couple of The Dixie Stampede trick riders to learn tricks of their own.
Kelly Jo and the kids travel to Chicago to visit newlyweds Michaella and Brandon and help them get settled, plus see the sites in the Windy City. Back in Tennessee, Zach graduates from the police academy and the whole family is there to celebrate!
It's chaos at the Bates' home as the gang packs up and heads to Florida for some fun in the sun. The family hits the beach to play, build sandcastles, and snorkel. The boys try their luck fishing for dinner, but not everyone is so sure about it...
Inspired by Zach, the Bates decide to go through police training of their own with some help from the local Sheriff's department. Later, Lawson has a singing gig at a local hospital. And Chad helps Erin design the CD cover for her latest Christmas album.
With the 3 eldest sisters out of the house, the remaining girls decide it’s time to redecorate their bedroom. Zach and Whitney are doing a little redecorating of their own as they head out to shop for a new couch to spruce up their home.
Time is flying and the Bates' first grandbaby, Bradley, is turning 1! Kelly Jo and the girls look for gifts, but their outing goes overboard. The family gathers for Bradley's party and Whitney shares a BIG announcement...
Whitney's expecting! She and Zach have their first ultrasound to check on the baby. Gil and Kelly Jo have shared 19 kids and 28 years together, so the happy couple celebrates their wedding anniversary. Nathan calls a family meeting to share some news!
A few of the Bates are heading to the Big Apple to visit their friends, Ashley and Anastasia. The city girls show our country boys, Nathan and Lawson, all the exciting sites of the city, where Nathan asks an important question.
With the wedding of Brandon and Michaella just days away, as the excitement builds for the big day, we take a look back at their relationship and courtship, from their first days together to the romantic proposal!
UP presents Bringing Up Bates. This special highlights all the most motherly moments throughout the series from mom of 19 Kelly Jo, to the new moms Whitney, Erin and Alyssa!
