Everything seems to be working against Claire’s plans for a new family portrait; Cameron gets a gig as a wedding singer, leaving Mitchell home alone with Lily and a wayward pigeon.
An unexpected reality check dampens Jay’s plans for relaxation; Phil wants to make the trip romantic for Claire; the kids get into mischief when left to their own devices.
For Jay’s birthday, Gloria gives him the best surprise — a romantic birthday getaway to Hawaii — the only kicker is she invited the whole entire family to come along. Everyone arrives at the airport, and it’s a maddening scene with forgotten I.D.’s, security breaches and flying phobias
The release of a new product Phil wants coincides with his birthday; Mitchell has a newfound desire to toughen up; Cameron gets involved in a neighbor’s marital problems.
Luke and Manny’s hot-tempered basketball coach quits during a game, causing Jay and Phil to jockey to fill the position. Mitchell takes Cameron along to meet a prospective employer.
The release of a new product Phil wants coincides with his birthday; Mitchell has a newfound desire to toughen up; Cameron gets involved in a neighbor’s marital problems.
Jay and Mitchell go on their traditional father-and-son outing to see the meteor showers, but Mitchell is upset when he finds out that Manny will be joining them. Cameron and Gloria spend some quality time together, with some minor incidents, while Phil and Claire both take on one of their child’s school projects.
Phil invites his high school girlfriend (Judy Greer) to the house; Jay accidentally kills Manny’s pet turtle, then goes to extremes to cover his tracks; overworked Mitchell stands up to his boss.
Phil tries to conquer his fear of the dark when he and Luke go on a discovery expedition underneath the house; Mitchell and Cameron invite Lily’s pediatrician over for brunch.
Love is in the air and all the families are preparing for Valentine’s Day. Claire and Phil are planning a special trip. Meanwhile, Jay decides to take Gloria to a comedy show for some entertainment. Also, Cameron and Mitchell try to help Manny out by playing Cupid.