For Judith Upton, one of the pleasant surprises about her new life at Jubilee is that it really is a community and it’s “grandkid” friendly. When the four grandchildren, ages 2 to 12 years old, regularly visit Judith and her husband, Mark, they always get a warm welcome from neighbors.

“It’s a safe place for the kids to take walks, and they like looking for birds around the golf course. We often meet neighbors walking their dogs,” Judith said . “Perhaps because many of them also have grandchildren, they are always friendly to the children and make them feel special.”

The older children go swimming each week at the Lodge with their grandparents. To avoid disturbing the lap swimmers and water exercise classes, children are allowed to swim weekday afternoons. “They absolutely love it and think the Lodge is really cool,” Judith said. “Afterward, we often go to the game room for checkers before heading home.”

The Uptons also take advantage of the geographical location to spend some quality family time. “Instead of birthday or other special occasion gifts, we give each of them an adventure. It doesn’t get lost, or broken, or outgrown! It may be an Amtrak trip to the Seattle Center, or to Portland’s OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry). Locally, the state capitol, Washington Performing Arts Center, Children’s Hands-on Museum and Nisqually Wildlife Refuge are fun outings.”

Making sure the grandchildren are comfortable at Jubilee has been important to the Uptons. The older children helped Judith and Mark set up their household when they moved in, while the 4 year old discovered the fun of sliding around on the hardwood floors in her socks. Judith summed up her feelings when she said, “This is a wonderful place to spend time with our grandchildren. They really enjoy visiting us here.”