Critters on the Couch

Stuffed friends are the best friends

“Okay, everybody. On the count of three,” I say, carrying an ice cream cake with a turtle topper into the dining room. “One… two… three.”

My parents, my partner, and I break into “Happy Birthday” as I set the cake down in front of our guest of honor: Timmy, my very grumpy and much beloved stuffed turtle. His other friends surround him, too, everyone deck…