The Bates were all over the map for Christmas this year. Chad and Erin Paine drove more than 10 hours with their two kids to visit Chad's family in Oklahoma, Michaela and Brandon Keilen headed up to Michigan to celebrate with the Keilens, and Gil and Kelly Bates took the unmarried kids down to Honea Path, South Carolina, to visit Gil's parents--Papa Bill and Mama Jane. Here are a few snapshots from the holiday weekend:
![]( "Carlin Bates, Josie Bates, and Trace Bates with Papa Bill")
![]( "Erin Paine and Brooklyn Paine")
![]( "Erin Paine, Chad Paine, Brooklyn Paine, and Carson Paine")
![]( "Lawson Bates and his horse")
![]( "Michaela and Brandon Keilen")
![]( "Michaela and Brandon Keilen")
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![]( "Whitney Bates, Kaci Lynn Bates, Zach Bates, and Bradley Bates")
Carlin Bates, Josie Bates, and Trace Bates with Papa Bill
Erin Paine and Brooklyn Paine
Erin Paine, Chad Paine, Brooklyn Paine, and Carson Paine
Lawson Bates and his horse
Michaela and Brandon Keilen
Michaela and Brandon Keilen
Whitney Bates and Kaci Lynn Bates
For those who have asked, Whitney and Zach say they have prayed about the standards and convictions they will hold for their family. Whitney does wear pants, but out of respect for the convictions that her in-laws have, she only wears skirts when she is around them or filming for the show. But she says she knows Gil and Kelly love her regardless of what she wears.
Zach and Whitney Bates
Whitney Bates, Kaci Lynn Bates, Zach Bates, and Bradley Bates
Photos courtesy of thebatesfamily.com, chadanderin.com, brandonlovesmichaela.com, Zach and Whitney Bates