Barney freaks out when Marshall bequeaths a "slap bet" slap to Ted and Robin. Meanwhile, Lily's estranged father shows up for Thanksgiving.

While on a trip to Minnesota, Ted and Barney try anything to make Marshall laugh. Marshall runs into an old nemesis from high school.

The gang begins to realize their romantic partner reminds them of one of their parents. Meanwhile, Barney and Nora's planned romantic evening is ruined by a string of bad events.

After celebrating New Year's Eve, Marshall visits his father's graveside to carry on their tradition of tailgating. Meanwhile, Barney and Ted open a bar called "Puzzles," and Robin is forced to fill in for an inebriated news anchor.

Lily and Marshall officially move to the suburbs and realize that Lily's bossy father refuses to move out of their house. Meanwhile, the gang adjusts to them moving by going to a strip club.

Lily asks for her father's help when she and Marshall decide to throw a housewarming party. Marshall's boss gets under Ted's skin and the two nearly come to blows, and Barney puts the moves on a wacky divorcée.

When Lily goes into labor, Ted and Robin distract her by telling her stories while Marshall hurries back from Atlantic City.

When Lily and Marshall have trouble finding a nanny, they learn it’s because of an elaborate scheme Barney came up with to meet girls. Meanwhile, Robin and Ted butt heads over who has a more serious relationship.

Barney's developing relationship with Patrice leaves Robin questioning his motives. Marshall's widowed mother gets back into the dating pool, but he thinks she may be swimming with a shark.

Christmas approaches and Ted wrestles with whether to tell Robin about Barney's intentions involving Patrice, while Marshall and Lily get an early Yule gift, a night away from Marvin, but a case of separation anxiety strikes and threatens to ruin the evening.

Marshall asks Barney and Ted for help figuring out where Lily went in the middle of the night during their argument.