Thank you that link has now been saved! I re-uploaded the SVG file inside the box i didnt realize the box was so important.
My steps were
Select all shapes
path- combine
Path- union
is there an explanation as to why it worked with all the other areas of the design the happy is now connected with the birthday and the stand is now all one piece instead of three. The birthday for some reason even though it was selected at the same time and went through all the same commands does not seem to connect with the base of the stand.