Happy holidays! Carl and Katy enjoyed another fulfilling year with a few sailing trips, travel opportunities, and 180 blissful days shaping the minds of middle schoolers. Carl continues to coach soccer and attend Seton Hall for his Masters in Administration, while Katy has just completed her first class in the same program.

February marked Katy's first ever visit to Europe. While visiting friends who had temporarily transferred to Belgium, they spent a week awestruck in Brussels with a side-trip to Paris. While there, Carl and Katy saw amazing sights like Notre Dame, ogled over centuries-old architecture, had more than their share of crepes, and did their best to learn a few French words.

During the summer, the Quillens did their part once again to keep Home Depot and West Marine in business. Sailing highlights this year included seeing a beautiful sunrise in the Atlantic Highlands and watching the Jersey Shore go by from the ocean side, as they sailed down to Long Beach Island.

Pictured here is Ocean Grove, where Kathy was
beaching as Katy and Carl sailed by

And in other news, a new aluminum extension ladder to rescue stray cat out of trees, chased there by dog: $233; a bag of food to feed stray cat for a week: $6.79; neutering and shots: $120; collar and tags that say "Quillen": $10; owning a third cat and thereby earning the official title of "crazy cat people" from friends: priceless.

But don't worry; the Quillens' four pets realize how good they have it They saw how hard Carl and Katy were working to put food on the table (well, the floor, actually) and decided it was time to pitch in and earn their keep. Here are some ways they help out around the house...

Jake does the grocery shopping

Starbright grades science tests

Hazel baby-sits

Jake folds blankets

Starbright and Natalie take care of the fish

Starbright opens the mail and pays the bills

Dan Doings