More happy news for the 'Bringing Up Bates clan, Michaela Bates (24), the eldest Bates daughter, got engaged this past Saturday, April 11 to college student Brandon Keilen, following their formal Courtship.  

According to a press release Brandon surprised her.  He left clues for her at seven different places, culminating in the long-awaited proposal at Great Falls, Virginia, outside of Washington, DC.

See exclusive photos below:

(Photo : Courtesy of UP)

(Photo : Courtesy of UP)

(Photo : Courtesy of UP (l to r) The families sit down to dinner: Ron Keilen (father), Jill Keilen (mother), Becky Keilen (sister), Michaela Bates & Brandon Keilen, Christy Keilen (sister), Gil and Kelly Jo Bates.)

Brandon & Michaela's engagement is just part of bigger drama, bigger challenges and bigger life events to celebrate in the second season of 'Bringing Up Bates,'premiering June 4^th.

Since its season one premiere on New Year's Day, 'Bringing Up Bates' is the highest-rated series in UP's history. The reality series takes a fresh look on the ever-changing family dynamics of Gil and Kelly Jo Bates and their 19 kids, aged 2 to 25 and now two grandchildren (including Allie Jane!) with one more on the way.

Led by devoted father Gil (49) and his loving wife Kelly Jo (47), the Bates do everything in bulk while staying true to their values and rules for the family - which means everyone has chores, select DVDs and classic programming rather than TV, only dresses for girls (though pajamas are worn in private) and more.  With a grand total of 19 children ranging in age from 2 to 25, they are the definition of a "big, happy family."  But lately - as viewers will see - their simple rural lifestyle in Tennessee is in a flurry of transitions and is continually challenged by the modern world. 

The second season order for 13 episodes is currently in production on-location in Tennessee.  In the all-new episodes, produced in association with Figure 8 Films ("19 Kids & Counting") viewers will see more of this tight-knit, uncommon Tennessee family where daily chaos is multiplied exponentially - but so are the joyful and poignant moments that life can bring.

Keep an eye out for the happy event and more big news in the second season of 'Bringing up Bates' premiering on Thursday, june 4, exclusively on UP.

Tune in up every Wednesday at 10 p.m. edt to catch up on season one episodes.