What year did you start playing your first The Sims game?

My family got me started. Husband and youngest son bugged me to play saying I'd like it. Well I loved it and became obsessed. When my oldest found out I was playing The Sims he shared his creations. My grandsons started playing at age 4. I ended up the only one playing and having no one to talk to about it I started coming to the forums and tried different chat groups. Life became busy and I got away from the social and creative part but always played at least a little. Loved The Sims Medieval and still play that. Gave up on Sim City and other stuff. Had everything that came out for playing the Sims and hated throwing the old games away. TS3 was my favorite because I loved Create-a-Style. Made hundreds of wallpapers and flooring for the game.