Extremely bright white ball of light moving above tree tops less than 1/4 mile away. Made sudden movement. Disappeared and came back.

A little after 8pm I was sitting out back smoking a cigarette when a bright light caught my eye. It was directly due south, just above the tree tops. Approximately 1/4 mile away with a great line of sight and perfect view. I could clearly see an incredibly bright white light cascading down into the tree line. It was shaped like a round ball. If I had to estimate it’s size I’d guess roughly 2+ft in diameter judging by the birds that flew in the same spot directly after the incident. It was moving relatively slowly and when it hit the tree line I could no longer see the light. It seemed like the light simply went out. I would say it traveled at roughly a 45 degree angle.
 It’s hard for me to estimate how high it first started above the trees. Maybe 100 feet? My first thought was meteor due to its brightness. But because of the proximity I knew that didn’t make any sense. I would akin the brightness to a professionally lit baseball stadium light. I don’t even really know how to describe it. I was dumbfounded.
 But I was even more shocked when maybe a minute or so later the light came back. It was back at the general area where I had first seen it (unless this was a second separate light?). Roughly 100-150ft above the trees (?) But this time as it descended it suddenly moved up in the air.  It sort of puffed/floated up maybe 50-75+ feet then descending down into the tree line where it was no longer visible again.
 I can’t for the life of me think what could emit such a bright light. I hope someone can give me feedback because that will drive me crazy for a while. There was little to no wind. Extremely hot and humid day.