As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, members of the widely dispersed Walton clan try to organize a family reunion. Elizabeth feels sad about those who cannot be there, including her boyfriend Drew, her parents, and John-Boy. Also, newlyweds Erin and Paul want to move out; Jason decides to make more of his musical talent, while Jim-Bob asks the Baldwin sisters to help him expand his garage business. In New York City, John-Boy is in a relationship with Jane Schuler, who tries to help him deal with writer's block. Mary Ellen and Jonesy must fatten up a turkey for the big day. John Curtis continuously runs off to the woods to meet an invisible "friend." The family is surprised to find out who it is while looking through a family album.

Mary Ellen has a car accident during her honeymoon with Jonesy which leaves her unable to bear children. Ben and Cindy welcome the birth of their 2nd child. Aimee Godsey has difficulties finding her place as she matures into a woman. The family celebrates Mother's Day.

Erin is considering marrying her boyfriend Paul Northridge. Her old boyfriend, Ashley Longworth Jr., who left her to marry someone else but is recently widowed, would like to get Erin back, but Paul is not going to give her up so easily. Then there's Mary Ellen's boyfriend, Jonesy, who is a veterinarian trying to establish a practice, but nobody thinks he is competent. And Ben, who has been minding the lumber business while their father is with their ailing mother in Arizona, is having some problems and everybody's worried that he's digging himself a hole that he might not get out of.