Benson's

A million years ago (when I was growing up), there was a zoo nearby called "Benson's Animal Farm".  It was local and fun and I think I might have gone there (I have the worst memory!!!).  The owners went out of business (or something) and the animals got relocated, but the community has pulled together and is beautifying the property and renovating some of the old exhibits. 

Again, being a nutty mom, I decided to bring the kids out by myself and explore this new place all alone. 
The first spot we stopped at was a super huge playground...

Peek a boo Benji

 

Then we meandered around a bit and we stopped for snack.

 

 

 Then we finally found the shoe from the Old Lady in the Shoe.

 

They also dedicated part of the park to a 9-11 memorial.  As I'm trying to take a moment to explain 9-11 to Eli, a family has to stop and ask about the trio.  Honestly, sometimes people need to give it a break.  I'm trying to have a deep conversation with him about the tragedies of that day and people want to ask how I can leave the house with 4 kids by myself.  Get a clue!

The beam on the right is from the Twin Towers.  It's just a powerful thing.

 

Because I had a successful lunch the day before, I decided to try it again.  This time, we stopped at Pizza Hut.  I did call ahead to see if there would be room for us and 3 high chairs so we wouldn't be caught off guard.

 

When we got there the hostess and a waitress couldn't have been nicer.  Then I realized it was $5 lunch buffet.  I was in a mini-panic because I didn't want to have to pay $5 per kid when we only usually order them 2 kids meals to split between the 4 of them.  The lovely ladies explained that kids under 3 are free (score!) and Eli was only $4 (double score!).  They seated me close enough to the buffet so that I could see the kids while I fetched the food.  They also ran up and got food for me at one point.  Super nice ladies and super yummy (although naughty) lunch.  Triple Score!!!