13. The Birthday Party

Sam is happy today.

Today is a very special day.

Today is Sam's birthday!

Bingo has given Sam a beautiful coffee mug.

Sam likes it very much.

It is perfect to contain his collection of used candy wrappers!

He sets it next to his other birthday present from Bingo - a brand new goldfish, and a big aquarium for it to live in!

(Sam has learned since his last fishy companion that fishbowls are not good homes for goldfish.)

But what Sam doesn't know that neither the goldfish nor the coffee mug is the end of his birthday surprises!

Bingo has also prepared for him a surprise party!

And he has invited some very special guests!

Sam's family, from far across town, have come to celebrate his special day.

Sam cannot believe it! He just loves his family so much.

Sam's mother Pam is a seamstress.

She has knitted Sam a lovely red sweater!

She also makes the most breathtaking cardigans for kittens Sam has ever seen.

She has brought enough that Sam will be able to put a new one on Bingo every day of the week!

Sam's father Cam is a balloon salesman!

He has hand-selected for Sam a beautiful bunch of balloons for the party.

Sam can't quite put his finger on why, but this one is his favorite.

Sam can't believe the wonderful party that has been put together just for him.

But Sam, there is still one last surprise in store for you!

Even though she lives very far away, Sam's beloved dear old Grandmam has been able to come and visit for this most cherished of celebrations, too!

Sam has always adored his dear sweet Grandmam...

Ever since he was very little.

And even though he is not very little any longer, he will always be her GrandSam.

She has baked him a scrumptious double chocolate birthday cake!

...with both sprinkles and ice cream!

Sam's favorite!

Sam could not have asked for a better birthday.

He loves his family...

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His whole family.

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