Aloe's are succulents and dont like to much water, I dont think they would like being in the ground in your state, they would rot. I'd leave them in a pot with a good potting mix and be very careful how much water you give it, they like to dry out between waterings. Hope this helps.
Christine

Thank you! Actually I;m now thinking of leaving them in the pots, transferring to bigger pots when needed, and leaving them outdoors only during our sunnier, warmer weather. Thank you.

Gardengoth, I know of just one aloe, Aloe aristata, that survives winters here in PNW planted in the ground - chances are that is not the one you were gifted with. If winter wet doesn't do the others in, winter temperatures will...they don't survive hard frost. Even though our winters are described as mild, there will be some nights dropping into the 20's, last year even lower.