Insect and Spider Identification: CLOSED: What spider is this??, 1 by sissy21jean

sissy21jean wrote:
I've never been one that freaked out by spiders until tonight when I went outside. This spider had a web from way up in the trees all the way down to a flower pot next to our deck steps. First time we've seen these around here and they all seemed to appear tonight out of the blue. (there is a new building under construction right next door wondering if maybe they came with the lumber) There was a second one above the some of our tomato plants and while we were checking them out we heard our neighbors ask us if we had big spiders too. Sure enough they had a few of the same exact ones hanging from their light fixtures on the corners of their house. I took a picture of the front and the back of the first one I found but the second spider had a marking on its back. I couldn't focus the camera enough for you to see it though but I will post the picture anyways. I'm assuming these spiders are two different sexes.

I've been reading and researching and the only thing I can think of is maybe an orb weaver?? I would say the size of these spiders in my yard could be considered as big as a nickel if not a little bigger. When I snuck up on one it curled up in a ball and dropped from its web very quickly.

If anyone could help me I would be VERY grateful!! :oD