The family of Gil and Kelly Bates in Lake City, Tenn, Sept 26, 2010. Gil and Kelly Bates have one of the biggest families in the world - 18 kids and counting. Proud father Gil, 45, runs a tree surgery business, which the older boys help with. The Bateses have never claimed state benefits and believe that children are a blessing from God. Each child helps with household chores, and Gil and Kelly, 43, say the family is run on the basis of Christian kindness, cooperation and patience - each older child is paired up with a younger child in a daily buddy system. [Photo/CFP]

The family of Gil and Kelly Bates in Lake City, Tenn, Sept 26, 2010. [Photo/CFP]