Caitlin, a tough city girl and an orphan since age eight, faces two options when she gets in trouble with the law: Go to juvenile hall, or move to the wilds of Montana to live with distant cousins.
Caitlin spends the day with Jim on ""Take Your Daughter to Work Day,"" and through the experience, gains a new respect for the law. A ballet teacher substitutes as the coach for Griffen's gym class and attempts to teach the boys basketball.
In a breakthrough bonding experience, Dori and Caitlin team up to compete in a mother-daughter horse rally. Conversely, Jim is challenged to settle an old high school score by one of Griffen's teachers.
Caitlin wants to get a dog, and Dori thinks she is not responsible enough. So Caitlin decides to prove to Dori she is responsible... by helping a dog give birth to 13 puppies. She does get all of them born, with help from Griffen, and Dori said that Caitlin would be her new assistant.
Caitlin discovers that Jim and Dori are receiving money from the foster care system for her guardianship and strikes back by stealing their new car. A severe accident unveils the new, loving relationship she has developed with the Lowes. A frustrated and desperate Griffen tries everything to win a trip to Paris, home of his cyber pen pal.
Taylor is running for president, Griffen says he will write her speeches. Caitlin tells Griffen he should run, and she'll be his campain manager.
Caitlin is forced to join the soccer team. Meanwhile, on a father-son fishing trip, Jim and Griffen argue the advantages of old vs. new technology.