Bringing Up Bates"A Great Bates Getaway"
- During a game of flag football, Trace breaks his finger while grabbing a flag. He is scheduled for surgery on the first day of the Bates’ family vacation in Gatlinburg.
- Before checking into the cabin, the family spends time at WonderWorks, an entertainment center with science-focused exhibits. “Being the oldest, I’m kind of sentimental about getting everybody altogether,” says Zach. Chaney and Travis are joining in on this year’s vacation, as are Chaney’s two sisters.
- Gil, Trace, and Chaney arrive. Trace has just gotten out of surgery and has his hand in a cast, and Gil still has his arm in a sling because he is recovering from shoulder surgery.
- “I think any time you bring someone into the family, everyone feels that it is their duty to be your chaperone,” says Katie. “Sometimes there’s too many.” She and Travis ride a small simulator ride. Some of the Bates give them a hard time, but Kelly assures Gil that the ride is intense enough that they will both be clinging to their seats.
- Later, everyone arrives at Von Bryan Estates, an 11-bedroom cabin. Kelly and Tori assign rooms. “Oh my word,” says Tori. “I did not know that could be so complicated.” After they complete that task, it’s time to bring in the groceries and start cooking. “It’s like a full-blown restaurant to feed an army,” says Nathan.
- That evening, the kids and grandkids gather to shower Kelly, whose birth is the following day, with gifts. Per Bates family tradition, they all take turns sharing praises. “One of my favorite family traditions is on a birthday, we all get together and we talk about what that person has really meant to us in our lives,” says Lawson.
- “I just want to say that you are definitely the most giving mom,” says Callie. “And you are always wanting to give. You’re never wanting to get yourself stuff, and you’re never mean about anything.” Kelton, Brandon, and Bobby bring in three birthday cakes for “Mama B.” Kelly says that her heart is full.
- The next day, chaos ensues as everyone scrambles to get ready on time so they can make it to Anakeesta, a little mountain “town” accessed via chairlift.
- The moms and little children enjoy lunch, while everyone else goes walking through the woods on rope bridges. “It is chaotic, but organized chaos, I guess,” says Travis, who is having a lot of fun.
- During a family picture, taken by one of Chaney’s sisters, Tori and Bobby release blue confetti to announce the gender of their second child. “What a way to surprise everybody!” says Kelly. “I did not see this one coming.”