Emily Elizabeth, Nina, their families and dogs are taking a day-trip to the beach. Emily Elizabeth and Nina are entering a sand-castle competition and Jorge and Clifford are eager to help out --- it should be a fun time! The stakes are raised, however, when a dog named Jack says that he's sure his owners will win. Pretty soon, Clifford and Jorge are engaging in displays of one-upmanship that leave Nina and Emily Elizabeth quite puzzled.