Mary meets a wild girl, Camille (guest-star Keri Russell, "Felicity") in detention who convinces her to sneak out of her house to attend a fraternity party with her. Although, the party turns out to be an intimate double date with a driver who's been drinking all night. Lucy, now at age thirteen, must officially choose her religion and faith - to the pressure of Eric on her back. Meanwhile, Eric and Annie counsel a former associate pastor of Eric's who is burdened with a secret of his own. Also, Simon and Ruthie secretly buy ferrets and sneak them into the house.
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.