Bringing Up Bates “Lions, and Tigers, and Bates, Oh My!”
- “One of the most exciting places to visit is Michael and Brandon’s house,” says Nathan during an interview. Ellie, Addee, and Callie arrive in Chicago for a vacation with the Keilens. Their first activity is the Brookfield Zoo.
- “I absolutely love the zoo,” says Michael, who has a membership.
- Through the Animal Ambassador program at the zoo, the Keilens and the three girls are able to see a porcupine, a medium-sized African wildcat, a sloth, and an anteater up close.
- Being near the wildcat has them feeling a bit nervous, but they enjoy feeding the sloth and anteater.
- On another day, Michael teaches the girls to sew. An avid seamstress, Michael learned when she was around their age.“Michael is naturally wonderful with children,” says Zach during an interview.
- The other Bates say they are thrilled for their sister to impart her sewing wisdom on the younger girls. “We’ll have stacks of clothing that need repairs or alterations that get put on hold until Michael arrives,” says Nathan.
- Michael helps the girls make a baby blanket for Zoe.
- Michael and Brandon also take Ellie, Addee, and Callie to Ceramic Art Café in La Grange, Illinois, to paint pottery. The last time Michael and Brandon were at the shop, they were courting and about to be engaged.
- Ellie chooses a horse figurine, Addee paints a jewelry box with unicorns, and Callie selects a coffee cup for Alyssa. “It was just cute watching Callie,” laughs Brandon. “She was very intent...”
- “Every chance I have to spend time with siblings is just so refreshing,” says Michael, sad to see her siblings return home.
- Back in Tennessee, Bobby and Tori arrive at the Bates’ church before sunrise on a Sunday morning to do a thorough clean ahead of service. In May, the Smiths will move to Hendersonville (near Nashville) so Bobby can begin a youth pastor position at a local church.
- Later, while much of the rest of the family is out of the house, Gil, Judson, and Jeb set out to build a seesaw. Although the boys nearly lose interest, Gil is able to keep them on track, and they are thrilled with the outcome.
- “I’d rather buy them tools and things they can do than just toys they just play with,” says Gil.
- Kelly is proud of their handiwork, but when Jeb nearly flies off, she says she is going to print a list of seesaw rules.
- “Anything you buy at the store, you’ll find a little unintended use disclaimer,” says Zach. “We’re the reason for that.”
