From new babies to momentous birthdays, purity rings to newlyweds, adult children setting up their households to the busy hum of the main family hive, life with the Bates is full of surprises.
Twenty-seven years ago, Gil and Kelly Jo Bates tied the knot with no plans to have children. Fast-forward 19 kids later, and this tight-knit group seems to define the phrase "big, happy family." But the Bates' lives in rural Tennessee are far from perfect. After all, in a house populated by 19 kids aged 2 to 25, daily chaos is multiplied exponentially. But then again, so is the love.
Led by devoted dad Gil, 49, and mom Kelly Jo, 47, the Bates do everything in bulk -- and play by the rules. That means everyone has chores to do, and TV time is limited (except for UP, ha ha). Girls can't wear pants in public, only dresses (pajamas are fine in private). "Front hugs" are allowed on special occasions, but other than that, it's strictly side-hugs-until-marriage. Can the Bates stay true to their values even in the midst of major life changes? You'll have to watch to find out!
