Jen, If you like the coins and want to save them, please do. As long as you're not counting on some massive future windfall, there's absolutely no harm in doing so, and anyone else's opinion/views are meaningless. This is the beauty of YOUR hobby; it's YOURS to do with as you see fit based upon what YOU enjoy.
Uncirculated just means that a coin has unbroken luster. Even the highest points of the design at Washington's ear are still shiny. AU means almost uncirculated and most of the coin is still shiny. XF is extra fine and there's little luster left but the coin has very little wear.