Jay organizes a historic trip to Paul Revere’s house for the entire family to learn more about American history. She even packs colonial food (which Michael hates) to give it an extra touch. Michael, unlike Jay, isn’t so excited about spending a long time with Jay and Claire in a car. The reason? They’re both on that time of the month, which spells trouble! The trip is full of problems, including being pulled over twice, Michael being lost and refusing to use the navigational system, Jay’s neurosis about her weight, Jr. terrorizing Kady, Claire’s whining and Kady playing with the voice alternator she got in her chicken from the chicken place clerk. The family survives, but when they finally get to Paul Revere’s house, it’s closed.
Season 2
Season: Season 2
The Anniversary: Part 1
Michael and Janet’s 15th anniversary is approaching. Jay’s girlfriend Wanda brings her Brian McKnight’s tickets (a concert Jay was really looking forward to see), but unfortunately she has to turn it down because it’s on the same night as their anniversary. Wanda says Michael will forget about it, but Jay refuses to believe in that and even has the kids spy on him to find out if he’s secretly planning something
Make Over
Jay and Michael are grocery shopping when they run into Susan Green, former cheerleader from their high school. Susan is in great shape, which makes Jay feel ugly and inadequate like she did back in high school. Jay feels depressed and Claire talks her into getting a makeover to boost her self-esteem. Meanwhile, Junior gets himself locked in a girl’s locker after a misfortunate attempt to steal her bra.
Table for Too Many: Part 2
The entire dinner is doomed from the beginning. First, the chef isn’t Japanese like all other chefs in the place, then the hostess sips on Michael’s drink, then when he goes to the bathroom his rival violates the men’s bathroom etiquette rules – and doesn’t even wash his hands before leaving. When he comes back at the table, the guy hands Michael his lobster, with the same hands he didn’t wash. Finally, when they make peace, Michael refuses to sing along on the guy’s wife happy birthday song. On top of that, the manager says the Tyler’s charge is on the house. Michael decides it’s time to leave, so he can finally watch the game he taped, but when they get to the car they find the valet smoking cigars inside of it, celebrating the game results, ruining the only remaining thing that could be good on Michael’s night.
Thru Thick and Thin
Janet returns home from taking care of her mom’s injury, and she’s put on a few pounds after eating mom’s home cooking. Michael doesn’t know how to “diplomatically” tell his wife that she’s packing a little bit extra. The episode builds to a dream sequence, in which Janet imagines that the entire family is tremendously overweight.
Jr. Gets His License
When Jr. finally gets his driver’s license, he buys his first car — a dilapidated, gear-grinding, backfiring clunker — instead of the sensible car that Michael picked out for him. And, right before school picture day, Claire’s vanity takes a hit when her face becomes swollen from a tooth abscess.