New Photo--Dillard Family of 4

You all have been asking for a photo of Jill and Derick Dillard and their two sons, and we finally have one to share with you! Israel Dillard turned two in April, and Samuel Scott Dillard is 23 days old. Aren't they just a sweet little family?

Derick Dillard, Israel Dillard, Samuel Dillard, Jill Dillard

Photo courtesy dillardfamily.com

Joseph and Kendra's Boat Party

Joseph Duggar followed in the footsteps of sisters Jessa (Duggar) Seewald and Joy-Anna (Duggar) Forsyth by throwing an outdoor, joint bachelor/bachelorette party. (Do you remember Jessa and Ben's football game and Joy and Austin's campout?)

On Friday, Joseph and his fiance, Kendra Caldwell, hosted a gathering at Beaver Lake in Northwest Arkansas. The soon-to-be-married couple and 25 family members and friends spent the day water skiing and tubing on a pontoon, ski boat, and high-performance speed boat. The water festivities were followed by a picnic lunch.

"We ended up doing the water skiing and tubing for our joint bachelor/bachelorette party because Kendra loves the water and I just enjoy doing whatever she's doing," says Joseph.

This water-centered outing came less than a week after the couple shared on Counting On "The After Show Part 2" that Joseph does not enjoy being in the water. What sacrificial love!

Photo/video courtesy TLC

Dillard Update

It has been three weeks since Samuel Scott Dillard was born. Jill and Derick Dillard are still getting back into the swing of things and adjusting to live with two children. They were grateful to a friend for making them a meal of smoked ribs, which they enjoyed for lunch this afternoon.

Derick Dillard, Jill Dillard, Samuel Dillard

Jill and Derick Dillard also went out on a date night to Domino's this weekend.

Jill and Derick Dillard

Photos courtesy dillardfamily.com

Duggars in Oshkosh, WI

Last summer, we shared photos from Jim Bob Duggar's trip to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh with his 10 sons and two of his grandsons. Jim Bob and a few of his sons, as well as extended family member Tyler who has been living with the Duggars, traveled up to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, this week for the 2017 convention. Tyler is near the age of Jackson Duggar, and the two have become great friends!

Photos courtesy duggarfamily.com

100 Things Michelle Wants the World to Know

 Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar in Hawaii

In celebration of their 33rd wedding anniversary, Jim Bob Duggar surprised Michelle Duggar with a trip to Kauai, Hawaii. As a combined anniversary and birthday gift for her husband, Michelle created this video titled "100 Things I Want To Share With The World!"

Photo/video courtesy duggarfamily.com

Asking Permission to Court

"It takes a lot of courage to approach a guy with a wrench."
-John-David Duggar

A couple weeks ago on Counting On, we watched Joseph Duggar seek Pastor Caldwell's blessing to ask his oldest daughter Kendra Caldwell to begin a courtship. On Monday night, we heard Joseph and Kendra share their thoughts on that scene.

Joseph admits he was a little nervous, especially since Pastor Caldwell was fixing the brakes on Joseph's truck during the conversation. Looking back at the clip, Kendra says there was a part of her that thought her dad might say no.

"I was just like, 'I don't know if he's going to even...say yes to Joe when he asks,'" says Kendra. Check out the video below.

Photo/video courtesy TLC

New Photo of Samuel Dillard

Jill and Derick Dillard have released a new photo of Samuel Scott Dillard! Born on July 8th via C-section, Samuel is now two weeks and three days old. Isn't he a cutie?

No further information has been made public about the details of the birth or Jill's recovery, but when any announcements are made, we will share it with you all.

Samuel Dillard

Photo courtesy dillardfamily.com

Duggar PDA

What did you think of last night's episode? Did you enjoy learning more about the older Duggar siblings and watching them interact? In this clip, the siblings poke fun at each other, as they discuss Jinger and Jeremy Vuolo's honeymoon and Duggar PDA.

Photo/video courtesy TLC

'The After Show Part 2' Recap

Counting On "The After Show Part 2"

• As the show opens, Daphne Oz plays a clip from Jinger and Jeremy’s honeymoon. She asks which couple likes PDA the most, and the answer is unanimous: Jill and Derick. (The Dillards are not at the interview because Jill will soon deliver baby Samuel.)
• Jim Bob and Michelle arrive with Spurgeon and Henry. When Jessa and Ben ask Spurgeon if he wants to hold the baby, Spurgeon says no and squirms away.
• The topic turns to in-laws and grandchildren. “If each one of our kids just has five children each, then we’ll have over 100,” says Jim Bob.
• Daphne asks about the questionnaire that Jim Bob gives to possible sons-in-law, and the Duggar dad says got the idea from another family. “When our daughters are leaving home…you want to make sure it’s going to be the best situation for them,” says Jim Bob.
• Daphne asks if any of the guys in particular have passed with flying colors. “Each one has passed, or they wouldn’t have been married,” laughs Jim Bob. Everyone else smiles and laughs with him.
• As the cameras start rolling after the first commercial break, Kendra walks in. Joy and Kendra were friends even before Kendra started courting Joseph.
• Daphne shows a clip from Austin’s proposal to Joy, and the newlywed Forsyths confess that they shared a hug that was more than a side hug.
• Joy and Austin share an interesting tidbit. After the first kiss at their wedding, Austin asked Joy if she wanted him to carry her out of the sanctuary, and Joy said no. She knew her dress was complex and didn’t want to mess it up.
• Later, the Vuolos, Seewalds, and Forsyths face off in “the couples showdown.” Here are some of the highlights:
• What would your wife say was the most memorable part of your honeymoon? Everyone talks about being alone for the first time, except Jessa, who answers, “Rome.” (Apparently she and Ben had both planned to say Rome, but Ben had forgotten.)
• I wish my spouse would stop _____.
• Jeremy: Doubting herself
• Joy: biting his nails
• Austin: whooping me in pool
• Ben: getting down about her weight
• Who takes up more than their half of the bed, him or her? Everyone says “her,” except Jessa, who says “Henry.”
• Daphne brings out Joseph and Kendra.
• What pet name does your wife/fiancé call you? Jeremy’s answer is “Baaaaaaabe.” Most of the couples say babe and/or lovey.
• When asked what Joseph's hidden talent is, Kendra says, "Most people would say he’s not talkative, but he’s really good at talking with people."
• My spouse/fiancé is afraid of____.
• Jinger: bad breath
• Jeremy: Texas bugs
• Joy: nothing really
• Austin: nothing
• Jessa: GMOs, MSG, partially hydrogenated oils, TBHQ, cheap candles, and germs
• Ben: bugs and spiders
• Kendra: being in water
• Joseph: bugs
• Joy and Austin are the winners.

A Broken Courtship Rule

Tonight on TLC, watch the last new episode of Counting On before the next season premiere airs on September 11th. The Duggar siblings continue their chat with Daphne Oz. Joy-Anna and Austin Forsyth confess that they broke one of their courtship rules, and John-David Duggar teases about his proposal to his future wife. Check out the clip below.

Monday, July 24
9pm-10pm: The After Show Part 2 (NEW)
In part two of the two-part After Show special, host Daphne Oz gets the Duggars' reactions to some of the biggest moments of last season, and the happy couples square off in a round of "The Couples Showdown." Stay tuned for a special guest or two!
11pm: The After Show Part 2 (NEW)

Photo/video courtesy TLC

Joseph and Kendra Engagement Photos

Joseph Duggar and Kendra Caldwell have been engaged for almost two months. We know you all will enjoy seeing pictures from their engagement photo shoot by Elizabeth Joy Photography.

 Joseph Duggar and Kendra Caldwell

To view Joe and Kendra's Amazon wedding registry, click here. 

Photos are property of duggarfamily.com and may not be used without written permission. Visit the Duggars' website to view more engagement pictures of the happy couple. To see an additional album on TLC.com, click here.

Message from the Duggars in Hawaii

Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar have a video message to share with fans...all the way from gorgeous Kauai, Hawaii! They made the trek across the Pacific to celebrate their 33rd wedding anniversary. Among other activities, the Duggar couple took a helicopter ride, visited one of the island's iconic waterfalls, and attended the rodeo.

Photo/video courtesy duggarfamily.com

The Duggars Visit Paradise

In celebration of their 33rd wedding anniversary, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar took a week trip to the beautiful island of Kauai, Hawaii. Have you ever visited?

Photo courtesy duggarfamily.com

33 Years of Duggars

Wishing Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar a blessed 33rd wedding anniversary! Below are some snapshots of the couple over the years. (Which is your favorite?) We have also embedded a video in which they share the story of how they met as teenagers.

Photos courtesy duggarfamily.com, video courtesy TLC

A Birthday and An Anniversary

Two days ago, Jim Bob Duggar celebrated his 52nd birthday, and Michelle Duggar shared 100 things she loves about her husband. These are just a few examples of what she wrote:

You help around the house.
You encourage me to draw closer to Jesus.
You are slow to anger.
You affirm me, and that means the world to me.
You are a thoughtful man.
You care about how I feel.
You show me respect.
You admit when you are wrong.
You have a learning spirit.
You read the Bible with your family.
You have encouraged our kids to be entrepreneurs.
You have bought & changed hundreds of diapers!
You have helped us learn from our mistakes or bad choices.
You still make my heart flutter when you greet me with a hug and kiss at the end of the day!

Tomorrow, Jim Bob and Michelle will celebrate 33 years of marriage! (Fun fact: their wedding anniversary falls exactly one month after Jill and Derick Dillard's.) Jinger and Jeremy Vuolo took to YouTube to share a combined birthday and anniversary message:

Photo/video courtesy duggarfamily.com

New Season Summary

Have you heard the news? Counting On returns September 11th with a brand-new season! For those who are wondering why the upcoming season is being called season three by TLC, it's because the network has a different way of breaking up the episodes than other websites. (This current run of new episodes is officially season 2C.)

But all that matters is that there are more new episodes coming soon, don't you agree? And there is still one more episode in this "season," set to air next Monday. Scroll down to read the official season summary and watch the promo video.

Counting On jumps right back in where things left off last season. The wedding of Joy-Anna and Austin is rapidly approaching, and it’s all hands on deck to prepare for their special day. The young couple has many unchecked boxes on their to-do list, from picking the venue and the attire for the wedding party, to finding suitable décor and a wedding cake. 

While Joy-Anna and the girls take a trip to Kentucky in search of the perfect wedding dress, Austin somehow finds the time to renovate a house that will hopefully become the couple’s dream home (after some serious work). Of course, all the drama and work gets put on-hold for a joint bachelor-bachelorette party, where everyone will reconnect with nature on a camping adventure!

Just as wedding preparations are in full swing, Jessa, Ben, Spurgeon and Henry travel to San Antonio, Texas, to meet up with Jinger and Jeremy. The Vuolos can barely contain their excitement as they prepare to get to know little Henry. 

Viewers will see another Duggar courtship blossom between Joe and Kendra, culminating in a huge surprise during Joy-Anna and Austin’s wedding reception that just may have bells ringing again sooner than everyone thinks! With all these huge milestones brewing, the siblings can always count on each other for support.

Photo/video courtesy TLC

Birthday Message From Joe

In honor of Jim Bob Duggar's 52nd birthday yesterday, Joseph Duggar shared a video message for his dad. The 22-year-old, who is currently planning his wedding with Kendra Caldwell, says he hopes to emulate his father as he becomes a parent himself one day.

Photo/video courtesy duggarfamily.com

'2 Henrys'

Jill and Derick Dillard have not yet released a video message announcing Samuel Scott Dillard's birth, but elated aunt Jessa Seewald has. In the clip below, she shares Israel Dillard's reaction to seeing his little brother for the first time.

Photo/video courtesy TLC

Duggar Dad Turns 52

Wishing Jim Bob Duggar a very blessed 52nd birthday!

Photos courtesy TLC, DCL, duggarfamily.com

Season Three Coming Soon!

Joseph Duggar and Kendra Caldwell

This run of new episodes ends next Monday, but no need to worry. The Duggars are coming back soon! Counting On season three premieres Monday, September 11th, at 9pm ET/8pm CT. There's a lot in store, including the segment that I (Ellie) watched from behind the scenes during filming. Check out the promo video below.

Photo/video courtesy TLC

'The After Show Part 1' Recap

Counting On "The After Show Part 1"

• The older Duggar siblings are filming an after show with Daphne Oz, a TV host who is pregnant with her third child.
• Jinger and Jeremy say they feel they are settled into their new home. They have four bedrooms, and Jana says she would love to help them turn one of them into a nursery.
• Jana is busy with her garden, which doubles as an outdoor entertaining area.
• Joy and Austin, newlyweds for almost one month, say marriage was an easy adjustment. “I feel like it was the next right thing to do,” says Joy. They have just returned from their honeymoon.
• John-David has been doing flight training, maintenance on the Duggars’ rental properties, and volunteer work. Josiah is learning to fly with John.
• Daphne plays a clip that shows Austin’s courtship “proposal.” Afterwards, Joy says she had liked Austin for four years (and kept it under wraps) before he started showing interest in her. Joy admits that she would write her name on the walls of Austin’s flip houses before he even knew she liked him.
• Daphne asks the Duggars if they ever broke any of their courtship rules. “I haven’t had a chance to break any of mine,” jokes John.
• “Most of our friends don’t do it this way,” adds John. “We know that we do it a bit different than other people. We’re trying to live our lives with as little regret as we can. It’s not necessarily a bad way to go about it a…different way, but there can be more regret. It’s more about what you can give instead of what you can get.”
• Joseph says that he and Kendra did not hold hands or say “I love you” until engagement.
• Daphne plays the clip that shows Jinger and her siblings redecorating Jeremy’s apartment before the wedding. Jinger had shared her tastes with Jessa and let her be the “bad guy.”
• Later, the topic turns to tater tot casserole. The siblings admit that it isn’t actually their favorite recipe, although viewers assume that it is. When they had visitors to the house, people would always request tater tot casserole, and they got very tired of it.  
• Next season, viewers will see Joy and Austin's rafting/camping bachelor/bachelorette party. 
• As a doula, Jana says that assisting at births has made her want to give birth close to a hospital, perhaps at a birthing center but probably not at home. "For me, I would probably do something a little closer to a hospital," says Jana.
• "Seeing births kind of terrify me, but I know that it's definitely worth it, so I would be willing to do it," says Joy. Jessa reminds her sisters that there is no shame in asking for an epidural."

Henry V. Spurgeon At 5 Months

Henry Wilberforce Seewald is five months old! Check out these monthly snapshots to see just how much this big guy has grown since his birth. For comparison, we have also posted a five-month collage of older brother Spurgeon Elliot Seewald. Do you see the resemblance?

 Henry Seewald, March-July 2017

Spurgeon Seewald, December 2015-April 2016

If you enjoy this blog, check out our other blogs (NashvilleWife.com and BatesFamilyBlog.com).

Photos courtesy theseewaldfamily.com

Grand-Duggar #5 Turns 2

Wishing Meredith Duggar a very happy 2nd birthday!

Photos courtesy duggarfamily.com, theseewaldfamily.com, Josh and Anna Duggar

Date Night For Jinger and Jeremy

We know you all always love seeing pictures of Jinger and Jeremy Vuolo, so here are a few new ones. These snapshots are from a surprise date that Jeremy took Jinger on, complete with a bouquet of yellow (Jinger's favorite color) roses and a love note.

 Jinger (Duggar) Vuolo and Jeremy Vuolo

 Jinger (Duggar) Vuolo and Jeremy Vuolo

 Jinger (Duggar) Vuolo and Jeremy Vuolo

Jinger (Duggar) Vuolo and Jeremy Vuolo

Photos courtesy jingerandjeremy.com

More Photos of Samuel Dillard

 Derick Dillard and Samuel Dillard

Since we shared the first photo of Samuel Scott Dillard, we know you all have been eager to see more. TLC just shared several snapshots, including the first picture of Jill Dillard with her son and a photo of Samuel's newborn grin. Click here to view the album. Do you think Sam looks like Israel?

 Israel Dillard

 Israel Dillard

First photo is property of dillardfamily.com and may not be used without written permission.
Second and third photos are courtesy dillardfamily.com

More Messages for the Dillards

Yesterday, we posted a video message from Josh and Anna Duggar and their four (soon to be five) kiddos congratulating the Dillards on the birth of Samuel Scott Dillard. The rest of the family has decided to get in on the action and share their well wishes with Jill and Derick. Here are a few more clips:

Jordyn Duggar and Josie Duggar
(Watch this one if you need a jolt of energy!)

Joy-Anna and Austin Forsyth
(Newlyweds who are leaving the size of their family up to God)

Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar
(Proud grandparents of eight--soon to be nine)

Photo/videos courtesy duggarfamily.com

Duggars Do Cow Appreciation Day 2017

All across the United States, Chick-fil-A fans flocked to their favorite restaurant, dressed in their beefy best, to receive free food as part of yesterday's Cow Appreciation Day. It's an annual event that the Duggars take part in each year.

Last year, Jill and Derick Dillard joined in on the fun, but this year, Jana Duggar and Jessa Seewald headed up the family celebration at Chick-fil-A, with help from the Duggars' friend Laura.

 Jana Duggar and the little ones design their cow costumes

 Jordyn Duggar and Meredith Duggar with friend Laura

 Marcus Duggar

 Mackynzie Duggar

Jessa Seewald and Henry Seewald

If you enjoy this blog, be sure to check out our other blogs (NashvilleWife.com and BatesFamilyBlog.com). 

Photos courtesy theseewaldfamily.com

Message From Josh and Anna

As most of you know, Samuel Scott Dillard was born on Saturday via C-section. Josh and Anna Duggar and their four children (Mackynzie Duggar, Michael Duggar, Marcus Duggar, and Meredith Duggar) took to YouTube to share their well wishes with the new family of four.

In March, Josh and Anna announced that they are expecting their fifth child, a son, although they have not shared the due date.

Photo/video courtesy duggarfamily.com

'Joy Gets Engaged' Recap

Counting On "Joy Gets Engaged"

-->

• The Dillards host Derick’s brother, sister-in-law, mom, and step-dad at the guesthouse before they return to Central America.
• They give their keepsakes, their external hard drive, and Jill’s wedding ring (she only wears a band in Central America) to Derick’s mom to keep while they are away.
• The next baby’s name will be Samuel Scott. Samuel, the last judge of Israel, means “one who hears from God.”
• On another day, the girls come over to help Jill work through her to-do list. Derick has learned that long hair is viewed differently in Central America, so he has Jill cut his hair.
• “I think at first, it might be a hard adjustment,” says Derick. Jill says she is sad about the haircut but that she also likes variability and change.
• Down in Texas, Jinger is shopping for traditional Laredo items to send to her family back in Arkansas. She buys clothing jewelry, candy, snacks, noisemakers, hair bows, and children’s cowboy boots.
• When the packages arrive at the Duggar home, Jim Bob and Michelle and the kids are thrilled. “As the months go by and Jinger is so far away, I definitely miss her even more,” says Jessa.
• The family accompanies the Dillards to the airport to say goodbye. “There’s always that empty feeling in the house, even when just one sibling is missing,” says Jeremiah.
• When the Dillards arrive in Central America, several of their friends are waiting to pick them up. It’s a very joyful reunion.
• Austin has just sold his fifth flip house, and he is preparing to propose to Joy-Anna. Austin’s dad, Terry, and his close friend, Aaron, help him haul supplies up to a hilltop to set up a beautiful scene. They string lights and set out a table, chairs, and a campfire grill.
• Meanwhile, Joy goes over to Jessa’s house to help with the kids. “Joy is great with kids, and she loves helping out with the babies,” says Jessa.
• “Austin and I have talked about kids, and we both agree that we want as many as God wants us to have,” says Joy.
• Later that afternoon, Joy, Johannah, and Jennifer meet up with Austin for a regular old horseback riding outing, or so Joy thinks. “When I’m around Joy, I feel complete,” says Austin. “She has a way of calming me down and making me feel right at home.”
• After riding for a while, Austin suggests that they get off the horses and stretch their legs. He asks Johannah and Jennifer to run ahead. “Do you trust me?” Austin asks Joy. She says she does. He blindfolds her and leads her to the proposal spot. He gets down on one knee and has her take the blindfold off. “Joy-Anna Duggar, would you marry me?” he asks, smiling. “Yes,” she says gently. They hug and smile at each other. The diamond in the ring has been in Austin’s mom’s family for five generations.
• Terry appears and gives both Joy and Austin a big hug. The newly engaged couple enjoys dinner cooked by Aaron.
• Later, Joseph asks Pastor Caldwell’s permission to enter a courtship with his oldest daughter, Kendra. He admits he is nervous about the conversation. “I’m not going to stop what the Lord’s doing in your life,” says Pastor Caldwell, smiling. “You have my permission.” The two of them, as well as Kendra, have been talking and praying about entering a relationship for a while.

Gifts for the Duggars

First off, have you all heard the big news of Samuel Scott Dillard's arrival? Check out yesterday's post to see the first photo of Jill and Derick Dillard's sweet second son. No additional details have been released, but as soon as more information is shared, we will pass it on to all of you.

Earlier today, we shared a preview of tonight's episode, featuring Austin Forsyth's proposal preparations. Now we have another video to share. In this clip, Jinger Vuolo puts together a Laredo-themed package for the Duggars back home. The one-hour show starts tonight at 9pm ET/8pm CT.

To those who have asked about removing auto play from videos hosted by TLC, we have spoken with the network, and they are unable to turn the feature off. 

Photo/video courtesy TLC

A Night of Love

Love is in the air this evening on a new episode of Counting On! While Jinger (Duggar) Vuolo shows her love from a distance by sending a care package to her family back in Arkansas, Jill, Derick and Israel Dillard look forward to a reunion with loved ones, as they prepare to travel back to Central America.

Later, Austin Forsyth proposes to the love of his life, Joy-Anna Duggar, and Joseph Duggar seeks the blessing of his future father-in-law before asking Kendra Caldwell to spice up her love life by beginning an official courtship. Now that's a lot of love!

Counting On, "Joy Gets Engaged," a one-hour episode, airs tonight at 9pm ET/8pm CT on TLC. Below is a promo video from People.com.

Monday, July 10
9pm-10pm: Joy Gets Engaged (NEW)
11pm: Joy Gets Engaged (NEW)

Photo/video courtesy TLC/People.com

Photo of Samuel Scott Dillard

As we announced, Samuel Scott Dillard was born yesterday afternoon to Jill and Derick Dillard via C-section. (Click here for details.) Above is the first photo of the new Duggar addition that has been released by the family. Both Jill and Samuel are doing well.

If you enjoy our Duggar blog, be sure to check out our other blogs (NashvilleWife.com and BatesFamilyBlog.com).

Photo is property of dillardfamily.com and may not be used without written permission.

Baby Dillard #2 is Here!

The Dillards just announced the arrival of their second son, Samuel Scott Dillard. He arrived this afternoon (Saturday, July 8th, 2017) at 1:02pm, weighing 9lbs 10oz and measuring 22 inches long. Coincidentally, his birth weight was the same as that of older brother Israel Dillard, although Israel measured one inch longer. Samuel entered the world via hospital C-section after 40 hours of labor. Congratulations, Jill and Derick!

Here is a photo of the happy big brother. Baby pictures coming soon. 

Israel Dillard

Photo courtesy duggarfamily.com

Vuolo Snapshots

We're back from our blogging break! While we work on catching up, here are a few snapshots of the Vuolos. Aren't they cute? Jinger and Jeremy have been married eight months.

 Jinger (Duggar) Vuolo and Jeremy Vuolo

At a flea market in Laredo, Texas

 Jinger and Jeremy Vuolo

At Joy-Anna and Austin Forsyth's wedding

Vuolos in Sydney, Australia

Photos courtesy jingerandjeremy.com