Insect and Spider Identification: What spider is this?, 2 by totaltreat

totaltreat wrote:
Hi!! Spotted this big guy in my backyard yesterday, his web went from my patio umbrella to my roof..OVERNIGHT!!! LOL!!! Can anyone tell me what it is? So far everyone thinks it's a Bat :) but it's definitely a spider..he ran like crazy up to the roof when I started taking pictures and came down about 4 hours later. Would appreciate any help, since part of his web is connected to my 7 yr. old's window and she is quite un-pleased...LOL!!!