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.
In the fourth-season opener, Gil has a medical procedure and it leads everyone to think about the future.
A birthday is shared by Trace and Jeb, and they celebrate with a boys-only party; Erin and Chad deliver a speech about female empowerment to a group of girls in South Carolina.
I Love You Day is celebrated by the family, and Tori includes her new boyfriend in the festivities; Ashley has an important talk with Nathan's parents; someone makes a big announcement.
Alyssa opens up about Florida and what life is like there for her, John and Allie Jane; Kelly Jo helps Erin and Whitney plan for their baby girls.
Lawson goes to Nashville to work on his music career, but his family thinks he's in over his head; Zach and Erin get excited about the impending births of their baby daughters; Nathan announces a surprise regarding his courtship.
A fund-raiser's held to benefit a volunteer fire department, and the Bates gather to perform at it; Gil and Jackson help Trace build a practice ring for his trick riding.
Spring cleaning gets underway and old toys must be tossed, but problems arise when Gil grows sentimental; Chad puts in some hard labor at the metal yard.
The Bates' wackiest moments are spotlighted.
A joint birthday is planned for Allie Jane and Carlin in Florida; Kelly Jo and Gil decide to meet the family of Tori's beau.
A romantic getaway for Kelly Jo and Gil means the kids are fending for themselves, and problems arise when some of them grow ill; Zach and Whitney host a movie night.
Graduation day nears for Carlin and Trace, but Kelly Jo gets sick and can't plan a party for them, so Carlin tries to organize a festive celebration.
A fan bonds with the Bates after winning a contest to be an honorary family member for a day. Activities include doing chores and riding horses.
Carson's first birthday is celebrated by the family, who arrive at Erin's home to help decorate; the boys get sidetracked by the party's entertainment; Kelly Jo gives Katie and Josie their first driving lesson.
A no-limits buffet entices the hungry Bates clan; Lawson acquires a high-profile duet partner: Emily Ann Roberts, a former finalist on "The Voice."
A visit to Florida is accompanied by commentary from the Bates clan.
Jackson turns 14 and assists the Bates men on a tree job, and then they guys play paintball to celebrate his birthday; Erin and Chad share their plans to record a new lullaby CD.
The boys head to camp to play basketball, and the experience of organized sports is new to them; Chad and Erin consider adopting a puppy.
Whitney has a ultrasound and it reveals a scary situation: The baby is breech just days before delivery.
Carson's first birthday is celebrated with a bash hosted by Erin; two of the Bates daughters get a driving lesson.
A muddy adventure gets underway when the family ride in four-wheelers, but a change in the weather threatens their fun outing; Michaella and Brandon visit their newest niece.
Lawson gets help with his lawn-care business from his sisters, who are eager to earn some money; Jackson, Warden and Isaiah camp out at the fort; Lawson performs in Nashville.
Erin finishes her album of lullabies in Nashville; Chad and Erin adopt a puppy; an excited and nervous Erin reflects on the difficulties she had during Carson's birth, and she admits she has concerns about her impending labor.
Join the Bates family as they re-live some hilarious and touching moments from their Thanksgiving at Papa Bill and Mamma June's house.
