➳ Adventures of M+A Kramer: carmel-by-the-sea + pinnacles national park

Last October, we explored the California coast near Carmel / Big Sur and Pinnacles National Park with Oma and Opa. At the time, both Matt and I were Southwest companion pass holders, so Oma and Opa became our companions for the weekend.

Airfare Breakdown: Southwest MSP-DEN-SJC and back

↟ There -- 7,996 Rapid Rewards + Companion Pass + $5.60 for taxes per adult (redeemed twice)

↟ Back -- 10,675 Rapid Rewards + Companion Pass + $5.60 for taxes per adult (redeemed twice)

↟ Lap infant -- free both ways

Matt also had diamond status with Hyatt thanks to a very generous Twitter offer in November 2015 when they were matching anyone with hotel elite status (he matched from SPG gold). Some of our favorite perks of Hyatt diamond last year were the confirmed suite upgrades, club lounge access, and free breakfast.

We booked cash and points rates each night at the Hyatt Carmel Highlands to be able to apply a diamond suite upgrade for a oceanview townhouse spa suite. With four adults and a baby on this trip, the extra space and ability to cook meals was nice, and we loved the ocean views and the wood burning fireplace. Matt covered the cash portion using discounted Hyatt gift cards that he had been rolling in ebay for a profit (a bit confusing to explain, but it essentially cost nothing out of pocket, just his time).

Hotel Breakdown: three nights

↟ Two nights at the Hyatt Carmel Highlands townhouse suite for cash ($150) + points (12,500) per night

↟ One night at the Homewood Suites San Jose Airport - Silicon Valley two bedroom suite for cash ($57.79) + points 12,000 points

Sweet family memories were made on this stretch of coastline. Quiet evenings cozied up. The smell and warmth of the wood burning fireplace. Falling asleep to the sound of the sea. Eating delicious breakfasts at the hotel restaurant. Drinking lavender kombucha. Exploring the beautiful rugged and wild coast. Watching football. Grocery shopping at Safeway. Making and eating tacos. Hiking. Introducing Oma and Opa to In-and-Out and a national park. The crazy travel day on the way home thanks to weather delays.

But by far, our favorite thing was spending time with Oma and Opa. I have fond memories sitting in the front of that rental vehicle and looking back to see globetrotto holding each of their hands in the backseat and smiling from ear-to-ear. He absolutely adores them. Car rides weren't nearly as fun for him after returning home. He missed looking at and chattering with his seatmates!