Rachel's sister Amy tags along for Thanksgiving at Monica's place, because her (married) boyfriend cancels their plans. While watching the parade, Joey realizes that he forgot to show up for the Days of Our Lives cast float, and he asks Phoebe's help to come up with a believable lie. The dinner goes fairly well, however, Monica constantly obsesses about anybody damaging her best china. To make matters worse, Amy comes up with a crazy scenario involving Emma, which sparks a massive argument among the gang.

To help her younger sister, Amy, become a more responsible person, Rachel overrides Ross' strong protests and allows Amy to baby-sit Emma but soon regrets that decision. Phoebe unknowingly thwarts Mike's "anniversary" surprise for her. Monica and Chandler become concerned when Joey tries to use big words in a recommendation letter on their behalf to a child adoption agency.