Mary tries to impress her basketball team by stealing a glass from their teen hangout "The Varsity" - which is a school ritual. An upset Eric finds the glass and makes Matt return it but gets arrested when the store manager doesn't accept his apology for stealing it - which makes Mary feel guilty. Meanwhile, Lucy has a paper due and hasn't started it, so she takes one of Mary's old papers and puts her name on it. Eventually, she starts to feel guilty and admits to cheating. Lastly, Simon and Ruthie overhear their father talking about how it bothers him when people in America don't know the National Anthem. Ruhtie then is afraid because she doesn't know it and ask Simon for help.
Reverend Eric Camden and his wife Annie have always had their hands full caring for seven children, not to mention the friends, sweethearts and spouses that continually come and go in the Camden household. This year, Eric and Annie will find their family back together in Glenoak with the return of Matt and Simon.
As is often the case when the house is overflowing with Camdens, Eric and Annie are in for a bumpy ride as their children take landmark steps in their lives. Meanwhile, Eric and Annie continue their journey as soul mates, parents and grandparents whose love and respect for each other brings them ever closer.
Through all the ups and downs, Eric and Annie have managed to keep their romance alive and their family together. Not only are they raising their own seven children, they've picked up several additional family members along the way.