The Simpsons join other Springfield families on the Van Houten's annual trip to Costa Rica, which they obviously can't afford. While there, Homer befriends Patty's new girlfriend, Evelyn, and Lisa tracks down the real reason the Van Houtens can go on this trip every year.

In this Flanders family-focused episode, Todd blames God for the death of his mother and rejects his faith – causing great distress for Ned, who sends him to live with the Simpsons in an attempt to scare him back into God's arms.