In the seventh-season opener, Shannon decides that she wants to adopt a child, which creates tension with Gene.

In the seventh-season opener, Shannon decides that she wants to adopt a child, which creates tension with Gene.

With Gene's past hopefully behind them, Gene and Shannon move the Tweed-Simmons clan to phase two which includes putting their adoption plan back on track and making sure Nick has a plan for his future.

After Sophie's and Nick's strong objection to adoption, Shannon suspects that Gene is wavering as well and arranges for Gene to meet happy families that have adopted. Meanwhile, cut off Nick searches for a place to live.

Shannon is worried the family will sabotage her adoption plans during their official interviews with the agency. Meanwhile, an upset Sophie is nowhere to be found and will not return any of Shannon's calls.

After Sophie is a no-show for an important adoption meeting, an upset Shannon goes to Whistler to confront her daughter about her behavior and the adoption.

Gene attempts to distract Shannon from the adoption process by suggesting that they take a belated honeymoon.

Shannon has a secret agenda to change Gene's mind on adoption while they vacation in Africa.

Gene meets the African children whom he sponsors; Tracy prepares for in vitro fertilization.

Gene meets the African children whom he sponsors; Tracy prepares for in vitro fertilization.

Gene and Shannon have trouble agreeing on whether they should adopt a child.

Gene and Shannon have trouble agreeing on whether they should adopt a child.