Alison Matson and her husband, Jack return to her parent's home on the North Carolina coast for a family summer vacation with their three kids, Darcy, Calvin and Jinx in tow. Through a series of ups and downs, financial ruin, mental health and summer love, they decide a longer stay in North Carolina would benefit all.

Grandfather Walter Babineaux experiences pressure from all sides when he refuses to bail son Dickie out of jail after his arrest for illegal disposal of chemicals. Meanwhile, Darcy makes a laxative cake as a prank on her brothers and is thoroughly embarrassed when Charles shares a piece with her newfound love, Arthur Dumas.

Alison rushes Charlotte to the hospital after she collapses while Jack and Walter are on a camping trip with the kids. Charlotte is diagnosed with epilepsy and is told that if she is to avoid further life-threatening seizures, she needs immediate surgery, and she turns to Alison for help in making this difficult decision.

Walter refuses to leave Charlotte's side as she faces brain surgery to cure her epilepsy. Meanwhile, Alison has to support Jinx, who has chicken pox, and her other children as they pack up their things and prepare for their return to Detriot.

Dickie tries to reunite with his ex-wife, while Sawyer, Jinx and Calvin build a raft in the garage and take it out on the water.