Shortly after moving back to Iowa George learns that a stately tree, planted by his ancestors, is to be removed. George leads the fight to save the landmark and have the motel built elsewhere.
The Apples discover a menagerie of animals in a roadside zoo kept in abysmal conditions. Cathy is particularly upset and George impulsively decides to take the wild creatures home. But the family soon learns how unworkable that is.
The Apples intend to hire a housekeeper but due to a mixup hire George's former French teacher instead. Mrs. Perry shows up expecting to teach the family a foreign language but imparts a more valuable instead.
When a longtime employee is passed over for a promotion Barbara think the woman has been discriminated against. She decides to protest. George tries his hand at selling perfume.
Patricia finds out her pen pal in Greece is handicapped. After sharing the details with her family her father George organizes an fundraising effort for an operation that will help the young girl recover.
George is on a crusade to have an traffic signal installed at a dangerous intersection. The matter becomes personalized when one of the Apple sons is seriously injured at the site.
Steven is excited about his 4-H project which involves taking care of a young sheep. But when it's time to sell the animal Steven is distraught and George must help him through the realities of farm life.
The son of an old friend of George Apples, 20-year-old Ben Haggerty, is paroled from prison in Apple's custody with the hope that living in the Apple family will aid his rehabilitation.
Paul falls hard for Jane Huston, a beautiful slightly older woman who's visiting the area. As she prepares to return to New York City Paul believes he's found true love and is determined to go with her despite his parents being against it.
Grandpa Aldon has fallen in love and has become engaged, surprising his family. He plans on moving his bride into the family home which George is against. The son must consider the reasons for his opposition.
Paul is injured while playing football. He is told by his doctor that he needs time to heal. But there's a big game coming up and he is told if he plays and if he's injured, it could aggravate it. George tells him he can't but Paul doesn't feel it's his decision.
George loves being an architect and is excited that Paul has indicated of becoming one also. But now that he's older Paul realizes he has other interests but is afraid of hurting his father if he tells him.
When someone tells George some information, he expects that it will remain confidential. But George soon has a dilemma: reveal the news entrusted to him, or risk a rupture with his father.