Chair of Cheer

My parents watched our little one last night.
When we picked her up, they brought up a little rocking chair my dad had built for me for my second Christmas.
They wanted me to have it. (tear) I know right?!

So sweet and I really did want to tear up and cry a little bit.

Very sweet and very awesome.
It only has one little somewhat of a "flaw":

My little sister's handiwork when she was about 2 or 3. 

I know, what are sister's for right but for using permanent marker on all your toys?

(don't worry-I got back at her and permanently 

"borrowed" all of her clothes when we were teens)

So I can't decide if now that I'm older and a bit more sentimental if I should leave my little chair just as it is or get creative and maybe rework it.

If I do repaint it or something, here's some pictures of what I'm thinking....

Decoupaged.... this is probably my least favorite idea yet one I'm still drawn to. 

I like the option of lotsa patterns. 

This one....

....and this one are my favs. 

Black or cherry red with some sort of folksy motif. 

I don't think I would get tired of this like I think I would if I just covered the thing in pattern.

What's your favorite?

Keep my sister's "artwork", decoupage on pattern, or solid with a folksy motif?

(Of course I would keep my parent's note under the seat untouched. It's precious.... and I don't use that word often :)