The Middle of the World

Today we had the opportunity to go to Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World) with a special friend that we made via Facebook during our adoption processes. We were accompanied by her missionary friend who lives here in Quito.  It was neat to be able to talk to these people in person and we hope to spend more time with them soon. 

We went to Mitad del Mundo during our stay here last year but we were so excited to get to go again. There are many shops and restaurants at Mitad del Mundo so it is a very fun place to spend the day. The Equator runs right through Mitad del Mundo (supposedly) so it is a great place to get your touristy picture taken - right on the Equator! I didn't get any photos on my camera, but try to imagine a thick, yellow line running on the ground, and you can take your picture on one side of the Equator and then the other :) 

Here is a picture of a T-shirt we got for my cousin. Supposedly we were standing on these exact coordinates today! 

Of course, we did some shopping during our stay. I got myself this neat, touristy bag :)

Outside of one of the restaurants, this is what we saw.

Do you know what that is? Guinea pigs, roasting over the stove. Guinea pigs are quite the delicacy here in Ecuador, often costing about $15 for one guinea pig. Don't show this picture to Jenna. She is the proud owner of three guinea pigs and this would quite horrify her :)

Sofia loved listening to the music :)

Unfortunately, today we experienced Sofia's first tantrum :(. We were warned of her tantrums early on and we were thankful not to experience one until today. But once she finally got herself under control, she was a happy, perky little girl again :)
Sofia is always excited for the end of the day because she gets to play in a warm bath. She always ties a wash cloth around her finger with a ponytail holder and gives it a name and a personality. Her finger's name is usually Carolina :) 

Isn't this photo hilarious? This girl is such a nut :)

Today we got out of the house without the tie and both of Sofia's hats! She wore a scarf today and carried around her doll, Ebony. Although the tie is somewhat Sofia's trademark, it is starting to get really disgusting and kind of smell bad, so we were glad that Señor Corbata could stay home today. :)