After a year full of highs and lows, the Simpson family finally has a reason to celebrate!

Despite Jessica’s painful break-up with Tony Romo and facing scrutiny for her weight, she was optimistic about her upcoming Vh1 reality show “The Price of Beauty.” But this past Monday, the family was out celebrating Ashlee’s return to Broadway, reprising her role as Roxie Hart in “Chicago.”

Fox411 had a chance to catch up with the family at the Inc Lounge in the Time Hotel in New York City as they celebrated Ashlee’s triumphant return to the stage.

After the show, Jessica wiped away tears and exclaimed, “She was great!  I’m so proud of her!”

And it wasn’t just Jessica who was proud – the entire Simpson-Wentz clan gave her a standing ovation.

Ashlee tells us things have changed for the better since she last portrayed Roxie in London.  “A lot has changed – I had Bronx.  When I did Chicago in London it was three and a half years ago but I’m excited for the first week ahead of us.”

And the petite star says she prefers doing theater to her recent work on the TV set of Melrose Place.

“Every night is different and that’s what is great about doing live theater.  I feel proud and play off the crowd every night.  Once you get on the stage it’s exciting and it all comes back to you.”

According to dad, Joe, the family will be spending baby’s first Christmas in New York with Ashlee.  “We will all be here in New York supporting Ashlee.  The whole family is coming here to watch her for Christmas.”

Joe says Ash wasn’t the only one nervous before she hit the stage but the baby changes everything this time around.  “Bronx was cheering her on during rehearsal and he was laughing very hard when she was onstage dancing.  We were all nervous for her tonight – it’s live!  There’s no forgiveness or second chances.  I cried a lot – as a Dad I’m so proud of her.  She was born to be on stage and she glowed.  I’m so happy to witness it.”

“Ashlee can be funny, serious, evil and sweet onstage.  She is a chameleon.  At home she’s pretty much a sweetheart, but she likes to play evil!”

Joe also traveled with Jessica overseas during the filming of “The Price of Beauty” and filled us in on their time together.

“Jessica and I had a great, special time.  In Morocco I was dressed up as Ali Baba.  There’s nothing better than traveling the world.  It was the most wonderful experience for Jessica and that made it so wonderful for me.    I flew to Uganda and spent a little time with the mountain gorillas – it was an unbelievable experience, beyond special.   I’m so proud of both my girls!”