EckSpot -- Now on Skype

The Eckerts are now on Skype, the web service that allows people to make and receive video chats and audio calls (to other Skype users) on the web. We are in the process of acquiring a webcam for our home computer (currently en route from Amazon.com). Jason currently has access to one at work and has been playing around with the service (primarily to keep in touch with the Neumanns in Germany). Our Skype account name is, appropriately, eckspot.

If you are interested in setting up your own account, start at http://www.skype.com/. You can find us through the account directory. I have to say I have been impressed thus far, and the cost is the best part!

Cassie Starts Soccer!

This past season Cassie started her soccer career by playing two games in her K-4/5 league (i.e. kindergarten). She did very well -- the picture is one of her highlights. She has been playing a little offense and a little defense (and, well, standing around a bit as well). One early challenge has been playing time (the team has 20 members, a difficult challenge for any coach). I have to laugh when the coach yells out, "Come over here, Angels." (Their school nickname is the Archangels, although his tone reminds me of Charlie.) She has approached it with a very positive attitude. She has games on most Saturdays through May.

See more of Cassie in action at http://picasaweb.google.com/jason.c.eckert/SoccerCassie.

Easter in St. Louis

I finally got around to saving and uploading pictures from our Easter Weekend trip to St. Louis. Some of them really turned out well. View the slide show to the left or the entire album at http://picasaweb.google.com/jason.c.eckert/Easter2008.

Pirate Tommy

Friday saw the Marquette University Child Care Center's annual dress up party/dance and auction. As you can see from the shot, Tommy dressed as a Pirate. Arrrrrrrr. Cassie was a Cinderella-esque princess. We had a blast (after having dinner with Cari's mom in Racine) and even won a couple of items up for bid.

March Travel Updates

We had quite the experiences traveling during the month of March. Jason traveled to New York City for the Big East Conference Career Fair (and more importantly to visit sister-in-law to be Nancy Stevenson) from March 12-15. We had a great time, saw some New York sites with Nancy, and went to Marquette's big win over Notre Dame at Madison Square Garden.


Nancy and I flew from New York to Milwaukee on March 15 and began our annual Eckert Ski Trip extravaganza. We spend the weekend visiting with friends and family members and on Sunday made the drive “up north” to Ironwood, MI. We skied for three days in Michigan (one in northern Wisconsin) and had a wonderful time. The hot tub, facing the slopes at Big Powderhorn Mountain, was a highlight.


When we returned from Michigan we quickly repacked and headed to St. Louis for Easter weekend with Jason’s parents. (Well, we were actually delayed a day by a 15-inch snow storm, but that has all melted by now.) We had a great yet brief trip to St. Louis, and let the kids stay with my parents for a week of vacation. Cassie was on Spring Break that week and the kids both had a great time (and most likely wore out Sandy and Leo for a few weeks time).


Finally, the weekend of March 28 was spent in Springfield, IL, visiting Cari’s parents and the Klinners. Little Ali is growing into such a doll and the kids adore her. We have been back home since (and hope to stay around Milwaukee for a while, enjoying the emerging spring weather).