My kids have a busy camp schedule in July but we've purposely not scheduled any formal camp programs for August. We have a few day trips planned and wanted some flexibility to check out some new places or take a few workshop classes that we could do together.

After discussing possible destinations with the kids yesterday, I checked out the Maine Audubon's website for family programs. There are a lots to choose from.

And if it's any surprise to anyone, our August day trip plans are quite diverse. But we checked one off our list when we took an impromptu visit to the kids' favorite ice cream store yesterday. And I'm beginning to rethink how great it is that G. and L. can read the GPS and have developed a good sense of direction.

While sitting at the picnic table eating our ice cream, G. said something to L. about their favorite candy store. The girls chit-chatted about it for a few minutes while I kept quiet. And between the two of them, they had figured out exactly where the place was -- and that it was only a few miles from where we were.

So for any doubters that think teaching their young children about maps and GPSs is too advanced a concept for them to grasp, think again. Kids can figure anything out when it serves their purposes :-)