With Rachel leaving tomorrow, the gang hosts a farewell party for her. She says goodbye to each of her friends individually, except for Ross and he's offended. Monica precisely packs for her new life in the suburbs with Chandler, and they keep a watchful eye on the extremely pregnant Erica, who is in town until the baby arrives.
When Rachel makes a startling announcement, Ross secretly schemes to get her former job back for her. Joey is so flustered by all of the upheaval in his friends' lives that Phoebe prevents him from learning about the sudden death of his agent. Monica and Chandler check out the house for sale next door to their new home--and make a stunning discovery.
Monica and Chandler visit their potential new house and bring Joey along, who's still upset about them moving, so he's determined to change their minds. Meanwhile, Phoebe learns that she can legally change her name to whatever she wants, so she considers something more exotic. Also, Ross gets tenure at his job, while Rachel's unfortunate job interview actually leads her to some new career opportunities.
Joey implores Francophile Phoebe to teach him French before an important audition, but she quickly becomes exasperated. Meanwhile, surrogate mom Erica is visiting town and tells the Bings that the baby's father may be a shovel killer. Also, Ross and Rachel grow closer after her sarcastic father, Dr. Green, suffers a heart attack.
Joey is a celebrity contestant on "The $100,000 Pyramid," with its actual host, Donny Osmond. Meanwhile, Phoebe's bachelorette party features a rather unexpected surprise when the stripper shows up. Also, Chandler and Ross attend a college reunion and flash back to 1987 to reflect on a pact they made when they were in college.
Phoebe and Rachel catch Chandler getting into a car with a blonde woman, they follow him to the suburbs. Fearing that Chandler is cheating on Monica, they inform her--and learn that the woman is a real estate agent. The pair has been secretly shopping for houses and struggling with how to tell their best friends. The friends reminisce about their good times in the apartment.
Joey, Ross, Rachel and Phoebe convince Monica and Chandler to host a Thanksgiving dinner, however the four of them end up arriving an hour late as the boys decide to go to Rangers game, while the girls take Emma to a baby beauty pageant. This enrages Monica and she refuses to let the famished guests into her and Chandler's apartment which causes even bigger problems.
Monica and Chandler nervously prepare for a visit from an adoption worker who will decide if they would be suitable parents. Meanwhile, Phoebe and Mike keep changing their minds about donating their wedding money to a children's charity. And Ross tries to help Rachel overcome her fear of swing sets so that baby Emma can enjoy the playground.
Ross has a chance to be selected by Dr. Benjamin Hobart for an esteemed paleontology grant. Unfortunately, Hobart happens to be Charlie's obsessed ex-boyfriend. Meanwhile, Phoebe tries to give a hideous painting she created to an extremely reluctant Monica and Rachel. Also, Joey is offended when Chandler lies about viewing Joey's bizarre audition tape reel.
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. Meanwhile, Joey volunteers to write a recommendation letter for Monica and Chandler's adoption agency, however, he's concerned about not sounding smart. Also, Phoebe unknowingly thwarts Mike's "anniversary" surprise for her.
On Emma's first birthday, Ross and Rachel convince everyone to delay their plans so they can attend her party, however plans go awry when Emma's birthday cake is revealed.
Ross goes to a spray-on tanning salon but fails to follow the 'simple' instructions. Meanwhile, Joey and Rachel struggle to make the transition from friends to lovers. Also, Monica and Phoebe try to avoid an annoying woman that used to live in their building.
After leaving Barbados, Joey and Ross both attempt to come clean to each other that they're dating Rachel and Charlie, however, various obstacles constantly get in their way. Meanwhile, Monica gets a new haircut much to Chandler's dismay and Phoebe finds out that Mike has another girlfriend.