When my oldest son was 4, he dressed up like a pirate every chance he got.  This lasted for about a year and a half.  He would wear his costume to the grocery store with me and wonder why people smiled at him and said "Arrrgh!".  Pirates of the Caribbean was a big hit, and he couldn't get enough of it.  He begged his Grandmother to sew him a Captain's jacket to add to his costume & she did him proud.  

Now my 3 year old twins have found the wonder in dress up and imaginative play.  We often have pirates or cowboys running through the house, off to their next adventure.

I love it.  I love to hear the stories, the giggles, the songs.  "Yo Ho, Yo Ho, a pirate's life for me!"  To be invited to be a character in their story is the ultimate compliment... 

even when they make me be the alligator.