Jay struggles to keep up with his new, young wife Gloria and her son Manny. Phil's attempts to be 'down' with his kids embarrass Claire. And Mitchell and Cameron have just adopted a Vietnamese baby girl.

When Manny's father fails to show up, Jay tries bonding with Manny. Phil tries to convince Claire that Luke is responsible enough to have a bike, and ends up losing the bike himself. Mitchell and Cameron start daycare classes with Lily.

Phil badgers Jay to go out with him and fly his new model aeroplane with disastrous results. While Gloria helps Alex shop for a dress, Manny takes time out of playing with Luke to have a heart-to-heart with Claire.

Dede, Jay's ex-wife and Claire and Mitchell's mother, stops by a visit and tries to make up for the "incident" she caused at Jay and Gloria's wedding.

An incident at school between Manny and Luke makes the whole family uncomfortable when they go to Gloria and Jay's house to watch football.

The first day of school leaves Phil and Claire wondering how to deal with their empty house and Jay and Gloria with a disagreement over Manny's choice of clothing. Meanwhile, Mitchell and Cameron worry about Lily's health after a minor accident.

The whole family goes to support Manny's new found interest in fencing. Jay's support for Manny's activity reopens an old childhood wound of Mitchell's. Meanwhile, Phil tries to discover Luke's hidden talents.

Claire's birthday surprise for Phil, a private performance by musician Izzy LaFontaine, is more surprising than she had in mind. The kids have a sleepover at Jay and Gloria's house, but Haley wants to go to a party with Dylan. Meanwhile, Cameron and Mitchell reunite with their old party friend, Sal, but the night turns out to be anything but fun.

Phil and Claire plan a spectacular birthday party for Luke, but the plans go awry when Cameron dusts off his old clown costume.

Phil and Claire threaten to cancel Christmas when none of the kids will come clean about burning a hole in the couch. Jay is uncomfortable with Gloria and Manny's holiday traditions. Cameron and Mitchell take Lily to meet Santa, though this mall's Santa is less than jolly.