Fans of 19 Kids & Counting were treated to a double dose of the super-sized Duggar family tonight to celebrate the end of season seven. Two 30-minute, back-to-back episodes aired on TLC to close out a season that began with a skiing trip to Colorado and ended with a book tour and a visit from Good Morning America. Below are some of the highlights from tonight’s two new episodes, the perfect end to season seven.
Trip to New York City:
The Duggar family traveled to New York City to visit with their friends: the Pollard, Bontrager and Hackel families. It was Josie Duggar’s first family trip and an opportunity for the family to reach out through mission work. With 40 children in tow among the four families, moving from point A to point B was no easy feat. In fact, taking the subway into Manhattan cost a whopping $360. However, the most challenging part was getting everyone safely on and off the subway so that no one was left behind. Michelle Duggar said of the experience, “The big city life is exciting, but more fast-paced than what we’re used to.” Jill Duggar echoed her mom’s opinion by adding, “We couldn’t do this all the time as a family.” While in NYC, the Duggars performed at Highland Park and served meals to the homeless at Bowery Mission. “That was my favorite part of the whole trip,” Jinger Duggar said. To make sure that everyone was where they were supposed to be, the Duggar family utilized their buddy system of pairing an older child with a younger one. In between their volunteer work, the Duggars bought ice cream for all from an ice cream truck. Jim Bob paid for 21 vanilla cones and 14 chocolate cones. Michelle said, “This is a real treat. It was fun and a memory they will never forget.”
Today Show with Matt & Meredith:
While in New York City, the Duggar family appeared on the Today Show to promote Michelle and Jim Bob’s second book called A Love That Multiplies. The Duggars have appeared in-studio on Today four times, so they were pros. Meredith Vieira has interviewed the Duggars several times and since it was her next to last day on Today, it was a bittersweet moment for all involved.
Book Tour:
After their stop in New York City, the Duggar family hit the road for their 9-stop book tour to Pittsburgh, Akron, Columbus, Cincinnati, Louisville, Nashville, Little Rock and Fayetteville. With two stops planned for each day and 400-500 people attending each book-signing event, it was not an easy tour for the super-sized family. “It was a hard trip, but we met a lot of good people,” Michelle Duggar said of the tour. In the end, the Duggars signed more than 2,000 books and Anna made it through the tour without giving birth to her second child.
Dan Harris from Good Morning America:
Once back at the ranch, the Duggar family stayed very busy. Dan Harris, a news reporter from Good Morning America spent the day with the family for a segment about reality TV. He integrated into the family’s routine by cutting a portion of their massive lawn, helping Joy prepare tater tot casserole and playing on the tire swing. “He was a really good sport and jumped right in to become art of our family,” Michelle said. Dan Harris was very impressed with the Duggars and stated, “The Duggars are incredibly nice. They’re not just doing it for the cameras.”
After suffering from her sixth ear infection in four months, Josie’s pediatrician said that she would find relief from having artificial tubes placed in her ears. Michelle agreed to the outpatient surgery. On a brighter note, tonight’s episodes revealed that Josie communicates her needs via sign language. Most of the Duggars know the basics, so instead of crying, Josie can communicate with her family through learned hand gestures.
Sarah Mally Visits:
Sarah Mally, author of Before You Meet Your Prince Charming and founder of Bright Lights, spent time with the Duggar family to talk to the older Duggar daughters. When asked about finding a husband, Jill Duggar said, “You need to wait on the Lord to bring him to you.” All of the girls agreed that a potential suitor must first get approval from Jim Bob. The girls also said that no romances are currently in the works.
Another Baby for Michelle?
Towards the end of tonight’s double dose of the Duggar family, Michelle Duggar was asked about the possibility of having another child. Her response was, “I would love that. I guess we’ll have to wait and see.” As will fans of the Duggar family…at least until next season.
More about the Duggar family from 19 Kids & Counting:
The super-sized Duggar family includes mom Michelle, dad Jim Bob, plus children Joshua, Jana, John-David, Jill, Jessa, Jinger, Joseph, Josiah, Joy-Anna, Jedidiah, Jeremiah, Jason, James, Justin, Jackson, Johannah, Jennifer, Jordyn and Josie. The family resides debt-free in Arkansas and stars in a weekly reality TV series called 19 Kids & Counting.
Note from the Editor:
I enjoyed seeing the Duggars kick off their book-signing tour on tonight’s episode of 19 Kids & Counting. It was my pleasure to interview Michelle and Jim Bob when the Duggars appeared at Barnes & Noble in Atlanta. What you see is what you get when it comes to the Duggar family. Yes, their children are as well behaved as you see on TV. Yes, Michelle and Jim Bob are really that sweet and unassuming. This is one super-sized family that doesn’t just talk the talk, but they walk the walk. They are as genuine as you see. For this reason, I can’t wait to see what’s in store for this super-sized family.
To check out exclusive photos from my interview with the Duggars, go to Ann Koehler Photography.
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