Turning Multiple Vector Paths into a Solid Object/Image

I'm having troubles trying to figure out how to make a complete object/image with NO pen tool paths or anchors etc...

I have a vector tree... theres lots of completed paths/shapes but still in path form.

How do I get all of them to be 1 solid item so that I can color and then emboss the entire thing? Every time I emboss due to tons of parts it wigs out.

I've been searching everywhere... Do I need to go through and select each little complete path... and outline it?

End goal: Still technically a vector object but 1 solid object able to be filled and then embossed. I can do it all in PS!