All three Camden generations dread the annual visit of Eric's parents, "The Colonel" and Grandma Ruth Camden. The tension between father and son is heightened when both Eric and "The Colonel" want to adopt a homeless and orphaned nine-year-old boy, George. Annie discovers the fate of her lost wedding rings when seeing them on a woman at the store.

Lucy asks Eric to investigate her new best friend's white lies as to where she and her family really live and their financial situation. Matt intervenes when a bully harasses Mary at school. Simon is jealous of Ruthie's new friend from her pre-k class as she's more fascinated with him now than Simon. Lastly, Ruthie's first day at school brings melancholy feelings for Annie.