On July 4, 1776, Congress approved the Declaration of Independence and simultaneously marked a national day of patriotism, barbecuing, fireworks, parades and national celebrations. There are lots of things to love about Independence Day! Check out the list of our users' favorites.

Top Fourth of July Searches on AOL:
1. 4th of July recipes
2. 4th of July desserts
3. 4th of July fireworks
4. 4th of July decorations
5. 4th of July sales
6. 4th of July events
7. 4th of July pictures
8. 4th of July crafts
9. 4th of July basket
10. 4th of July cards

Judging by our top searched list, Americans love picnics and BBQs on Fourth of July. While some were looking up recipes for the grill and pasta salad, others were seeking out recipes for desserts, like Red, White and Blue cupcakes. Visit AOL Food for a delicious Fourth of July cookbook.

Like many, fireworks are my favorite thing about the Fourth of July. From the city's fireworks show to messing around with sparklers in my backyard, I love watching their fiery brilliance. Check out When.com for a schedule of July 4 events in your area, including fireworks, parades, concerts and carnivals.

What is your favorite thing about Independence Day? Let us know and vote in our poll on the right! You can find out more about the Fourth of July on AOL Search and AOL Holidays.

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Kendra Wilkinson went from 'Girls Next Door' to real housewife in less than no time. After dumping Hef and moving out of the Playboy Mansion, Kendra proudly announced that she was over her Playboy ways. That didn't last long!

The expectant mother went back to the Playboy Mansion on Saturday to tie the knot with Hank Baskett, a wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles. The mansion is a beautiful place for a wedding, but we asked you if it was weird that she got married at her ex's. The votes are tallied and 64% of you said it wasn't strange at all. I wonder what Hank would have to say.

Don't forget to vote in today's poll (right)!

Sorry ladies, one-third of the Jonas Brothers is about to replace his purity ring with a wedding band. Guitar-playing heartthrob Kevin Jonas popped the question to his girlfriend Danielle Deleasa last night. The eldest Jonas brother, 21, surprised Deleasa, 22, by showing up at her New Jersey home and dropping to one knee with a diamond ring that Jonas designed himself.

The happy couple met in 2007 while their families were vacationing in the Bahamas. But before you ladies start planning your vacations around the JoBros' tour schedule, Joe Jonas is already taken by Camilla Belle and rumor has it that Nick Jonas is seeing Miley Cyrus.

For more on today's hottest stories, check out our top searched list. What other big news and gossip happened today? Let us know! Have a safe and happy Fourth of July weekend! Come back to Hot Searches on Monday for a recap of the weekend's biggest stories.

Hot Searches for July 2, 2009:
1. Karl Malden -- Oscar-winning actor dies at 97
2. Wimbledon -- Semifinals in progress. Who will make it to the finals?
3. Propofol -- Latest speculations blame this drug for Jackson's death
4. Diana Ross -- Michael Jackson's will names singer as backup guardian?
5. Hayden Panettiere -- Films nude scene for new film 'I Love You, Beth Cooper'
6. Alexis Arguello -- World champion boxer dies at 57
7. Kevin Jonas -- JoBro engaged to girlfriend, Danielle Deleasa
8. John Dillinger -- The real story behind Depp's 'Public Enemies' character
9. NHL -- See which teams and players stood out in the draft
10. Sears -- Sears Tower reveals 103rd floor glass-bottom balcony

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