The children find 3 + 12 + 8 = <<3+12+8=23>>23 insects.

After the ladybugs fly away, there are 23 - 2 = <<23-2=21>>21 insects.

# Answer

21
<|im_start|>system
You are a helpful assistant.<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>user
Sami finds 3 spiders in the playground.  Hunter sees 12 ants climbing the wall.  Ming discovers 8 ladybugs in the sandbox, and watches 2 of them fly away. How many insects are remaining in the playground?
Please reason step by step, and put your final answer within \boxed{{}}.<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>assistant

user
21
Sami finds 3 spiders in the playground.  Hunter sees 12 ants climbing the wall.  Ming discovers 8 ladybugs in the sandbox, and watches 2 of them fly away. How many insects are remaining in the playground?
train